LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is simply incredible. If you are like me and have grown tired of the series, it is time to jump back in. This is such a fresh take on the series that it feels like an entirely new game. The level of polish visually and care put into this version feels like they truly went back to the drawing board and created the ultimate LEGO game. I hope this is not their last attempt at the series. I would love a full-on DC or Marvel game in this style. Still this is a must for LEGO fans, a must for Star Wars fans, and truly a must for anyone who enjoys great video games.

If you enjoy the Street Fighter series, or the Marvel fighting games that Capcom made back in the day then this is one you shouldn't miss.

Treyarch has done an amazing job with this game and has quite possibly constructed on of the best online experiences currently available anywhere.

Tekken 6 for PSP is a fantastic addition to the already strong lineup of brawlers on Sony’s handheld.

The most solid, accessible and fun experience console gaming has seen in some time.

If you enjoy the genre at all, Black Rock has certainly crafted one of the finest action/racing games ever created and they continue to prove their expertise in the genre.

I’m not going to pretend that Enter the Gungeon is for everybody, it’s not. If players can’t stand the idea of starting over from scratch mostly after each death or don’t have an appreciation for games like Binding of Isaac, there isn’t much to change their minds here.

Fans of the arcade beat ‘em ups of past would regret passing this one by. It is a simple, yet deceptively in-depth brawler that keeps you coming back for more; and thankfully it just keeps on giving.

A continuation of an intriguing storyline, retaining all that made the first game great while adding changes to gameplay for newness and challenge.

One of the most unique and overlooked titles of the last generation. If you enjoy the Oddworld franchise, or simply are hankering for a new experience, I cannot recommend the game enough.

They could have easily just threw on a fresh coat of paint on it and called it an HD remake like a lot of other titles, but 343 has more respect for Bungie, Halo and the fans than that. They have added a ton of new features well worth the $40 price tag.

Thanks to these significant improvements to gameplay, its easy to recommend NBA 2K26 to both newcomers to the franchise and longtime fans. It’s the best playing basketball game we’ve gotten in years, at least 2K23. With that being said, it’s hard not to be frustrated with the things that are still holding the series back. The game would be well served by a firm split between MyCareer and The City, with a Career mode and progression system more akin to MLB: The Show and an online multiplayer component that emphasizes parity rather than pay to win (or in most cases pay to simply be competitive). Feels like this is a pipedream based on the revenue that the series brings in, but it would definitely improve the overall experience.

While not as polished as others in the genre, what it lacks in functionality, it makes up for with personality and blade mode.

I can state without hesitation that the wait has been more than worth it. The awe-inspiring living creature that is Trico carries this title, which would have otherwise just been a good puzzle platformer into an instant classic that I’m sure to visit time and time again, just to say hello to my new best buddy, one more time.

Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed may have the most unfortunate name in gaming's recent history, but that doesn't stop it from being truly fantastic. This is easily my favorite kart racer of the generation, slightly outdoing its predecessor in both form, and sheer content. Sega fans will love it. Kart racing fans will have a blast, and gamers in general should really appreciate the love poured into this game. The price is right, the game is fun and anyone who enjoys a good time should definitely check out this amazing racer.

The only sore spot in the game is the controls, I commend EA for doing a wonderful job, but because of how fast paced C&C can be you will have to wrestle with them for a little while until you can get them all down.

Ether One is a sharp, unique game that deals with a tragic subject in an empathetic way, and it’s definitely worth checking out.

Truly a remarkable title that fans of the original will appreciate. If you like fighting games and have already experienced Arc's latest this version is certainly not going to deliver a brand new experience; in fact it may frustrate you due to technical limitations. However, if you love fighting games and don't mind playing them on a portable console with cramped controls you will be hard pressed to find a better experience out there.

I loved this game when I first played the demo a year ago. I am glad players can finally get their hands on it, and truly this is not a game to be missed. It combines two genres perfectly and ends up creating the surprise hit of the year. It will be on my mind when game of the year rolls around and I recommend everyone giving it a look. I know the game world is swamped with releases this year, but this is one experience you do not want to miss.

As a follow up to a divisive entry and as the penultimate release to the end of the Calvard Arc, Trails Beyond the Horizon had to pull out all the stops and luckily, despite a few flaws, they managed to craft an incredible build up that has me on the edge of my seat, eager to find out what happens next.

Ys VIII is a marvelous game that truly deserves more attention. With my limited exposure to the series I am impressed each time I dive in. Those looking for a classic JRPG that hits all the right notes, you will be hard-pressed to find a better experience, especially on the Switch. I am glad this series is getting more exposure, and would love to see it eventually make its way onto every platform. Don’t be afraid of the number, this is a great game to dive head first into.

After a long, grueling wait, the Legend of Heroes makes its triumphant return and I am more than happy to report that the wait has been worth it as Cold Steel III delivers on all fronts with improved visual fidelity, performance and a slew of meaningful new mechanics. Led by a cast of unforgettable characters and an intriguing story arc that will have you begging for more when the credits roll.

All in all, the first episode of The Walking Dead was a fantastic experience. Fans of a good narrative should look into this game, as well.

Metro Exodus is the most ambitious game in the series to date, and also the most impressive.

ModNation Racers is truly a work of art on so many levels. The creation tools are a snap to use, the controls really let you have fun instead of having to wrestle with them and there is simply so much packed onto this disc it is hard not to recommend it.

Far Cry 4 is a great game that just feels like a lot more of the same.

Definitely recommended for fans of the genre, as this is the pinnacle of what Shinji Mikami created all those years ago.

Rock Band Rivals is tailored for the fans that care about competition, which is likely the biggest install base for the plastic instrument game.

If you are in the mood for a great action/adventure title with a truly engaging narrative, you owe it to yourself to check out Ninja Theory's latest title.

Halo Wars is the best real time strategy on consoles right now and it can be a lot of fun, but the relative lack of depth for such a usually deep genre can get old after a while.

After Tricky, the series went downhill, and it has been a long time since it was relevant. I promise that EA Canada has done an amazing job of restoring what made the original so much fun, and the highlight of the original PS2 launch lineup.

This is most certainly the definitive version of Disgaea 4 and a worthy addition to any JRPG fan’s collection.

While I didn’t love The Mageseekers mainly due to my issues with the overly fast combat and my difficulty keeping track of Sylas when things really got going. However, as a fan of the lore, I enjoyed his heartbreaking story of revenge and redemption. I am looking forward to the next few releases from Riot Forge that are featuring Ekko and Nunu, but can we please get a project featuring the Noxus Empire…please?

Brings back memories of the classic series with witty writing and some truly challenging and off-the-wall questions. There is just enough diversity to keep things fresh and rounds move by so quickly that it never feels like it is dragging. Presentation and writing are king here.

Even though I still want Capcom to go the distance and really take the remastered Ace Attorney games to the next level by adding some level of VOs, the effort put into this remaster impressed me more than their previous attempts. As the games have aged very well, I’m just glad that all those that skipped Ace Attorney Investigations games or missed out of its sequel due to lack of official localization will now have the chance to experience a wonderful story that deserves to be remembered.

SteamWorld Dig on the PS Vita and PS4 is a wonderful achievement; great game play, beautiful to look at and with a sense of humor. Bringing it to the Sony stables was a great move on the part of the developers, and one that will hopefully prove fruitful for them.

A fantastic experience that scratches that survival horror itch better than most games. Playing on Ranger mode is probably the most intense experience I have ever encountered, and the gorgeous visuals really drag players into the dark, damp world.

Madden NFL 18 makes steps forward, but also lacks any meaningful changes to my favorite mode, which is Franchise. Longshot fell short for me, and I would really love to see a more defined Be A Player mode. Even with that said I will still sink another 60+ hours into this game because of my love of the sport. The refinements are enough to keep me interested, and the new engine makes the game look glorious. I really hope franchise sees a major overhaul next year, but for now I am happy to be plowing through defenses with Marshawn Lynch and dropping dimes with Derek Carr.

Viewfinder is a unique game that begs to be experienced. I do wish it was available on more platforms as everyone needs to experience this unique puzzle game. I could not put it down until the end and I cannot wait to see what this team accomplishes next. There is so much here that impresses, it never overstays its welcome, and the technical achievement will be talked about for years. Definitely play this game if you have the means.

With the full campaign mode taking you through different movies, the deleted scenes with their challenging levels and objectives, level creator that lets you upload and download levels online, and the local multiplayer, you have a ton of content all in a small $15 package. It really is a steal for what you're getting. The game play is fun and addicting, and the small problems I had with the first game have been ironed out completely. I highly suggest Joe Danger 2: The Movie without any doubts.

The story is very interesting, and the puzzles, while difficult at times, can be very satisfying. I feel that it was a very refreshing game to play that offers up a good story and some of the most unique game play mechanics I have seen in a very long time.

Ninja Gaiden 4 is a great return for the series. Sure, it deviates from the first two entries, but has its own appeal.

If you enjoy pinball in any shape or form, Zen Pinball 2 is a must download.

Remasters are part of this generation whether we like them or not. Bulletstorm is a game perfect for this trend as a lot of players likely missed it the first time around. The addition of Duke Nukem and all the DLC is nice, but the sticker shock is real. This is the kind of game that would have done much better with just a little lower price of entry.

Saints Row 2 is the type of game soccer Moms will scream about. Why, I'm sure I don't know because it is clearly not for kids. Silly, Outrageous, Profane, Excessively Violent, Very Naughty, and Unapologetically so. And it is a hell of a lot of fun.

After all, a Vita exclusive first person dungeon crawler RPG with touch controlled combat seems rather long in the genre definition, and a rather insane proposition all things considered. However, despite all odds, they’ve managed to craft a title featuring a fantastic world that begs to be explored, and a combat engine that’s intuitive and the finest use of touch controls since Tearaway.

In short, Olli Olli 2 is everything a great sequel should be: across the board improvement that builds on the solid foundation of its predecessor without losing the magic that made it special in the first place.

Even with the inflated price tag, Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack features two highly underrated games well worth playing which many have missed. While it might be a bit a tough sell to those who have completed both games on the 3DS, to newcomers, it’s a golden opportunity to check out the series which I’ve dubbed the unofficial spiritual successor of Megaman.

El Paso, Elsewhere is a fun throwback to a simpler time in video games. All we needed was dual pistols, a slow-motion dive and some gruff narration and this game checks all those boxes. While I was not blown away by the PS1-esque graphics; I am sure that there will be those that will enjoy them. But it’s the story that folks should come for, the tale between these two lovers is something worthy of a sad opera. Despite its shortcomings El Paso, Elsewhere surprised me quite a bit and could end up being quite the sleeper of 2023.

In the end, Wreckfest is a game that you will tend to make your own fun in. The career mode can get a little old after a while, but the multiplayer makes it even more fun throwing other players into the already impressively crazy mix. Bugbear knows what their players want out of a game from them, and they offer it up in a really fun, chaotic package that any arcade racer can enjoy.

Blur has its flaws, and a lot of them are the result of good ideas not working out, this however doesn't deter from the fun factor that the game produces.

Fans shouldn’t think twice about picking this up, and players looking for some deep RPGs to dig into this holiday can find them right here all for a very low price.

The game is one of the hardest in the series, the bosses are still awesome and the old-school challenges will keep you pulling your hair out for months.

Though it has no multiplayer, the single player story is engaging enough to sit through even if extremely straightforward and linear.

Being such a long time fan of the series I can honestly say this is the most fun I have had with a Tony Hawk game since the release of "THPS4."

If you love Trials Evolution, this pack is a no-brainer, even if you have mastered all that has been offered up to this point. No game in history has given me so much satisfaction from frustration at it at every turn.

Injustice: Gods Among Us is a great fighting game that just so happens to be a love letter to fans of DC Comics. Those who enjoy at least one of the two will no doubt get their money’s worth with NetherRealm’s latest.

The animation system is absolutely enthralling to view, the association mode is deeper than Scrooge McDuck’s money bin, and the overall game looks and plays better than any other title in the genre.

Torment: Tides of Numenera impresses where it truly matters. The intriguing premise and a world filled with eccentric characters begs to be thoroughly explored from top to bottom. If not for the technical issues with the combat and the rather abrupt ending, this could have easily ranked with the best of what’s turning out to be one of the best years for gaming. While the issue of whether or not it lives up to the lofty standards set by Planescape is a question I’m not qualified to answer, I can say without any hesitation that Numenera deserves your attention either way.

Horizon Chase 2 is a solid sequel that adds some new pieces that make it a worthy sequel. I do wish the track design was a little better and the upgrades worked across all cars instead of having to dedicate it to the one I am driving. Still there is a lot to love here, the soundtrack, the speed, and the pure arcade excitement. If you have any reverence for games from the arcade era, this is a no-brainer. Definitely worth checking out.

Tekken 7 feels like the return for the series. After some bumps in the PS2 and PS3 era this series really feels like it is regaining its footing. There is a lot of content here for casuals and solo players, and the hardcore will love the under-the-hood changes. There is something for everyone, which most fighting games fail to capitalize on. If you have been out of the Tekken game for a while, it is finally time to return.

The animation system is absolutely enthralling to view, the association mode is deeper than Scrooge McDuck’s money bin, and the overall game looks and plays better than any other title in the genre.

I could spend pages talking about all of the refinements to this year’s game, but the bottom line is that this is the best Madden in years.

Torchlight is what happens when developers with a passion for what they do come together. You can tell the guys and gals that made this game truly love the genre and know what makes it fun.

The right mix of fun and frivolous, at $10 Ultra's retro charms are a must have for any Bomberman fan.

It’s difficult to say if Danganronpa V3 met my nearly unrealistic expectations, as even though much of the gameplay and story beats felt familiar, the true vision of V3 and how it ends has left me feeling conflicted in a way I have yet to fully digest. It’s an unforgettable journey full of love and betrayal- one that steps past the point of no return and bravely takes another leap forward to a world without hope or despair.

All this praise and I’m mostly referring to the single player main story, but with its bevy of other cool unlockable modes and the multiplayer party like games available, there is so much content here, it’s a great price for an absolutely jam packed 3DS cartridge.

Live A Live is an interesting game that will most likely excite some players while losing others. The unique stories are great for short bursts but the lack of investment may turn off some. Still I love that we live in an era when lost games can once again make a return. Live A Live is certainly not for everyone, but for those that it does hit it is sure to please. Maybe it would have been wise though to release this game a little further away from Nintendo’s biggest RPG franchise to give it some room to breathe.

It is incredibly well made and boasts enough content and fun to warrant the price sticker. If you enjoy straight-up action and plenty of explosions, then this game is for you.

My time with Superstar Saga has been a joy – filled with hearty laughs and exciting boss encounters. Even though I can’t say whether it’s a remake worth revisiting to those who finished the original back on the GBA, I can say with confidence that those who missed it the first time around are in certainly in for a good time.

This is the first game to actually challenge "GTA" for the throne among these types of games and it actually surpasses it on many levels.

I want it to catch on, but with the paltry Wii U user base, and a quirky new IP at the helm, my fears are that no one will care about Splatoon in a month’s time.

It is a gruesome ride that is full of peril, difficult decisions and some great moments.

Tearaway was a big surprise hit for me on the Vita and this remake is bigger, has more content, and more unique ways to progress versus its handheld sibling.

Fans of Star Wars in general need to play this game and anyone looking for a break from all the shooters, racers, and RPGs flooding the market today owe it to themselves to check out this simple, yet highly addictive little action title.

The sheer amount of content makes up for the lack of innovation in some areas, and while I don’t think it stands out as much as Advanced Warfare, it still keeps me playing a series I never thought I would care about year in, and year out.

Time hasn’t aged this game one bit; I still found it as adorable as I did back in 2016. It is great that TMS is now available to a wider audience and hopefully will it get the sales it deserves. In my opinion it is not only the best JRPG on the Switch, but stands shoulder to shoulder with the best of all time.

Despite its tumultuous development cycle, Granblue Fantasy: Relink is a grand achievement that impressed from beginning to end with its fantastic presentation and thrilling set pieces- brought together as a total package with a cast of unique playable characters and satisfying combat that I can see myself continue to “Zeta Dive” back into for many more hours to come.

Wuchang has some neat ideas, but the inconsistent difficulty and confusing story really made it hard to enjoy a lot of times. Still, I love the world, and combat feels great and responsive. This is a solid effort from a first-time studio, and I think people who really enjoy the genre have yet another one they can get into. The campaign is long, clocking in at just under 50 hours with plenty more once credits roll. Fans will love it, but for those like me, this one doesn’t do enough to overcome my issues with the genre.

Saints Row 2 is the type of game soccer Moms will scream about. Why, I'm sure I don't know because it is clearly not for kids. Silly, Outrageous, Profane, Excessively Violent, Very Naughty, and Unapologetically so. And it is a hell of a lot of fun.

Lost in Nightmares is a great start and it was fun getting back into RE5 after so much time away from last year’s game. I look forward to the next chapter and hope the price point is just as nice.

World of Final Fantasy is a nice change of pace for the series’ formula, but it relies too much on simplistic tactics to be a standout. I love the two main characters and the ideas behind the combat, but the dungeons feel padded out and the combat is just not that interesting.

This is the Call of Duty game fans have been clamoring for, and I feel sorry for the team that has to try and top it next year.

Jedi Fallen Order is one of the best games in the Star Wars franchise and one of the best games of 2019. It has some sore spots, but the story, characters, worlds, and combat more than make up for its shortcomings. Fans of Star Wars will love it. Fans of action/adventure games will have a fantastic time. It is great to finally see Respawn branch out and get a chance to craft something they clearly have a passion for. This is not a game to be missed and gives me hope for the future of the series.

With beautiful graphics, a charming and emotive set of main characters, an amazing soundtrack, and wonderful gameplay Unravel Two is one of my favorite games to come out so far in 2018. I think the audience that can enjoy this is almost anyone because there is a fantastic main game for players but those who are not challenged as much as they want to be can find more difficult, optional puzzles. Yarny is still adorable too. This game just radiates joy, and in comparison to similar games like INSIDE, is just made for everyone.

For $30, the Ace Attorney trilogy contains the first three games of the series (Ace Attorney, Justice for All and Trials and Tribulations), which is a great bargain.

If you only own a Wii U this is one game to pay close attention to. It is one of the better ports, and the second screen functionality becomes second nature after a while. In fact, it would be hard to play without it now. Combined with the great campaign packed in, this is definitely one of the better launch ports for the Wii U.

Although the DLC doesn't really differ much in the way of gameplay, the story is solid and fun to play through. Even the side quests are entertaining. Add to that the new loot, enchanting and ability systems, and Treasures of the Sun is a piece of DLC that no Dungeon Siege III fan should be without.

Underhero is not a difficult game, but it is a beefy one. Players could spend anywhere from 15-25 hours in it depending on how much they backtrack and collect upgrades and items. The combat continuously evolves to keep it interesting, and the charm manages to last all the way through. While there are plenty of games keeping us busy these days, Underhero is one that should be on your radar at some point. The light price tag and unending charm make it a sleeper hit and one I can whole-heartidly recommend.

Fans of those types of racing games will be in awe of what Shin’en has accomplished here. I know it is cliché to say, but please give this team the rights to make a new F-Zero game. Fast Racing NEO is the closest and best thing to happen to the genre in years.

A lot of the issues with GHTV is that it is confusing to understand how it works within the game. Players are used to just buying songs a la carte. The new six button setup will also throw players for a loop. Again, I totally respect the new direction, but the familiar tones of its competitor really draw me to prefer that offering. Plus I can play what songs I want, when I want.

Slightly Mad Studios really has found a good formula for keeping a game feel like an arcade racer while mixing in a healthy amount of simulation. It does have its faults, but for the most part, I can look past them.

This is one of the few times when a game does something so different it will make or break the game entirely, but if it is your thing, it will be hard to beat when it comes to overall quality.

It feels simplistic in nature and it actually really is, then you look into the Grid system and see all the potential Under Night actually has and you have yourself a pretty great fighting game. Keep in mind, you may need to go to an outside source to figure everything out, but for the most part, this is a great fighting game that I think fighting game fans will really enjoy for a cheap price.

The only issue I had with Gunborg was the games length, being able to be cleared in just over 2 hours; just when I felt like everything was coming together and all the systems clicked the game ended. On top of that there isn’t any real reason to replay it as players will see everything the game has to offer the first time through. There are 3 collectables hidden through each level but most can be picked up as you progress. Now I didn’t feel cheated or anything, I just would have loved to experience more. Which in this day and age can be accomplished with some dlc updates, but I don’t know if that’s in the cards for the developer. Also, I want to give him a special shout out again, Rickard Paulsson did an incredible job creating Gunborg. The slick neon futuristic 80’s vibe, the music, the pitch perfect controls… he really deserves all the success he gets from this game and I can’t wait to see his follow up titles.

Telltale delivers an episode that capitalizes on the story built in the first four. It's a thrilling, entertaining epitome of adventure games.

Being a three-year old game, Lords of Shadow still feels fresh. This adventure is just as much fun as I remember it, and digging back into it only furthers my excitement for the sequel.

The PC version of the game is pretty much identical to the console versions. The game offers up controller support, and with an Xbox 360 controller, the game plays just like the 360 version. The only difference is that you can't rename possessed weapons.