DC Dual Force is off to a pretty solid start with a large and varied roster of leaders with more on the way, the first being The Batman who Laughs. With a strong PvE element I can’t recommend this game enough, especially for those that are comic fans and fans of CCG’s. Being able to see some of my favorite comics like the pivotal Flashpoint storyline in motion on screen felt really cool and the kid in me ‘Squeeee’ed’ in delight. There is a pretty fair system in place to acquire new cards which leads to a healthy pool of players in the multiplayer ranked and unranked lobbies. I am having a blast with DC Dual Force and it has turned into a game I play daily for at least a match or two in multiplayer but it’s the PvE playable comics which is the big draw for me.

I recommend picking it up, if only for the awesome multiplayer, deep Create a Boxer system, and smooth control. Even with the AI problems, this title is sure to give fans of the Sweet Science plenty of jaw breaking, rib crunching fun.

The Xbox One version seemed to perform decent enough, though there are times when smoke effects or other graphical elements kick into play that causes some system performance issues. Luckily, with the type of game this is, it was never a huge hindrance. Pillars of Eternity is a great RPG experience by Obsidian, and my time with the port was a very good experience. The excellent music and voice acting, the wonderful writing, and the multitude of ways quests can play out just add up to Pillars being a wonderful RPG to add to the collection. PC players have known this for a while, but console owners can now experience this for themselves. Now if everyone will excuse me, I still have plenty more adventures to partake in the world of Eora.

All in all, Awesomenauts is a really fun game. It has a lot of potential to be a big contender in the MOBA genre. The simplicity of the game is nice for newcomers to the genre while the complexity of the loadouts and abilities can satisfy the MOBA veterans.

The table feels unique and polished, and is definitely a great pick up if you are a fan of the comics. Even if you aren't, there is a lot of pinball to love here, and it is a great way to pass the time during the summer months, if you are looking to scratch that itch.

There is more than enough to see and do and I guarantee once you nail down the vehicle handling you will find a rich and vigorous experience that will entertain you for hours on end.

Gas Guzzlers Extreme might be a small time release, but it’s full of pure, unadulterated, racing heart.

The Super Bomberman Collection is a fantastic snapshot of those games from that time period. I would love to see this continue with the really awkward N64 entries, and of course the greatest Bomberman game of all-time, Saturn Bomberman. But, as a starting point, this collection nails what makes these games special and deserves a spot in your collection.

There’s a ton of things to do and remember in this game, and while I enjoy what it does, it never really explains much of it. It took me way longer than I wanted to actually learn how to build and maintain my bases, and the tutorial is minimal at best.

DARIUSBURST Chronicles Saviours not only provides an authentic arcade experience for a classic shmup, but also reinvigorates the series by adding a great deal of meaningful content that makes it one of the biggest releases for the genre in recent years.

Even for a relative pinball novice like me, Pinball FX2 has a lot to offer. The feel of real pinball is here, in a game that takes full advantage of its freedom from physical restraints.

On the outside, Thumper looks bizarre with its strange design and nightmarish visuals. But don’t let that fool you, Thumper has it where it counts. Behind the game lies an incredibly deep rhythm game that invigorates the genre and will push and punish you in equal measure. Pair that with extremely quick load times and a game that flawlessly runs at a smooth 60fps, and Thumper will be music to your ears.

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.

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

The visuals, narrative, and gameplay of Gravity Rush are unlike anything available on any other system. The motion and touch controls here are perfectly tuned to its platform and nothing feels tacked on or gimmicky. The only drawbacks are the somewhat clunky combat and some disorientation while travelling or trying to position yourself carefully. Vita owners who have been looking for a new justification for their purchase have certainly found one here. If you own the system this game should be in your library.

While not as deep or engaging as the other titles in this franchise, Downhill Jam finally takes the series in a new direction. I can really see this becoming a nice offset from the traditional game and even enjoying some real success. Vicarious Visions has done an amazing job considering the limitations of the Nintendo DS.

DJ Hero is almost a breath of fresh air in an already overcrowded genre. The rhythm game is becoming too much of a business and this really feels like it was designed with a lot of passion for the music.

Still, even with its faults, GGXrd is an excellent foundation for the inevitable half dozen or so iterations to come. While it may prove to be a divisive title in the hardcore community, it’s an excellent point for newcomers to jump in and learn firsthand why the name “Guilty Gear” commands so much respect in the fighting game community.

For all intents and purposes, Van Helsing II is more of the same. It just so happens that “same” is really, really good.

inFamous: First Light once again shows Sony makes some stellar content post-release. Being able to enjoy this adventure even without owning the original game is a huge plus.

Even though there aren’t too many new features to justice this re-release, Ammy’s quest to defeat Orochi and cleanse the world of corruption is still every bit as compelling as it was a decade ago, and to those unfamiliar, this is the perfect opportunity to get acquainted with the most adorable wolf goddess you’ve never heard of. So how about that sequel, eh, Capcom?

A fantastic game that deserves to be played by everyone. It is easily accessible, truly addictive, and loaded with tons of content to warrant the $50 price tag. However, if you have already played through the first two games there is little here worth coming back for unless online co-op and more Achievement points are your thing.

If you are looking for an excellent single player side scrolling shooter, look no further than Omega 5. From the beautiful graphics, to quirky characters and bosses you will plan on playing for a few minutes and find yourself playing an hour.

There are endless hours of replayability built into this package. With its gorgeous visuals, head bobbing audio tracks, and addictive action, I would recommend Electronic Symphony to anyone even remotely interested in puzzle games.

The most appealing factor in SC is that I can do nothing at all to progress the story..there are so many side quests, recipes, general stuff to collect, go on dates, and daily activities that you really need never finish the story line and SC would still be a lot of fun.

Overall, Persona for the PSP is great slice of RPG history, a very entertaining story with a great and challenging single player experience. If you like your RPGs hard and intriguing with a dash of complete insanity then by all means pick up Persona for the PSP today.

Wild Card Football has pleasantly surprised me I must say, I was already intrigued with its blend of strategic card games and the game of football. But to finally play it and see that the card game doesn’t detract from the football game but instead enhances it and makes it something totally new and fun to play. The on-field action is quite solid as well, not as accurate as Madden and not the rules free slam fest that is NFL Blitz. But the play calling is tight, and easy to understand with a handful of runs, passes, trick and defense plays to choose from. Anyone who is burnt out with the simulation style football games should check out Wild Card as it’s a blast to play.

Let’s be honest here, many of you are going to upgrade every year regardless of what is added or changed. For those of you that look for major changes before jumping on board, I do think this year’s changes on PS4/PS3 are well worth the purchase.

While there are hundreds of Warhammer games out there, few of them really stand out among the pack. Boltgun is one of those games and even non-fans of the universe owe it to themselves to check it out. It is visceral, addictive, and paced extremely well. The array of difficulty options offer up something for everyone and it has some of the best weapon feel of any of these types of games out there. I cannot recommend this game enough for anyone looking for a good time blowing up pixelated baddies.

Super Galaxy Squadron is a ton a fun and replayable for old school fans and high score junkies.

The game is really fun with some buddies that want to play the game strategically against another team with the same skill level. If you're into third person shooters or MOBA style games with a twist, you should really check this game out. You have nothing to lose. It's free, and fun.

A fantastic game with an engaging story that only manages to slip up towards the end.

Either catching ‘em all, or taking on the Wild Area and the Gym Leaders, there’s plenty of content here even if some people think the National Pokédex removal is a deal breaker. It’s still a lot of fun and can keep players busy for hours on end. The style and look is great and it controls fantastically. Is it my favorite Pokémon game in the series? I’m not sure, but it still holds the standard for one of the best out there. Any RPG fan will get enjoyment out of this one and Pokémon fans new and old will have a great time exploring the Galar Region.

You won’t hear me talk this highly about a ‘Souls-like’ game ever and that should speak volumes to just how good Remnant 2 really is. Any sequel worth its salt should look to improve upon what the original did before it, and that is one thing that Gunfire Games has certainly done with Remnant 2. The entire game feels like a love letter to fans of the original with new systems and classes, improved features and gunplay and the solid co-op gameplay. I just wish the narrative was as polished as the rest of this package though, here’s hoping we get a Remnant 3 where that wrong is righted.

An excellent JRPG. Is it perfect? No, but it is very entertaining and even has a story that most Sci-Fi buffs will enjoy. All of the new innovations that they have made with this entry are all appreciated, and add an extra layer of depth to an already deep game.

God of War Ragnarök is an outstanding game with some questionable pacing and flow at times. There are moments in this game where I was simply in awe of what was on screen. Then there are times when the game feels like it is doing everything in its power to keep me from progressing or enjoying its playground.

If you crave old-school action that is just as relentless today as it was back in the 80s then Konami has answered your call.

All that said, if you have already taken Death's journey, there is little reason to come back for seconds. Darksiders II is a great game, but once is more than enough here. I am still dealing with side quests and DLC from the original 360 version personally, so unless you skipped it altogether, there is no single feature that makes this worthy of a double dip. Wii U owners that have yet to embark on the series should definitely check it out. It is a massive game that will last you upwards of 50 hours to complete. As a launch title, that is impressive.

Just as Bravely Default before it, Octopath Traveler is a reimagining of a classic formula, packaged to feel new and exciting. Even though the issues with its character interactions and lackluster dungeon designs holds it back from true greatness, the likeable cast of characters and a deeply satisfying combat engine makes it one that’s easily recommendable to just about anyone with a Switch.

There are some small improvements to the overall experience, just keep in mind, there’s nothing very revolutionary about Omega and Alpha.

There are some small improvements to the overall experience, just keep in mind, there’s nothing very revolutionary about Omega and Alpha.

I am thoroughly impressed with It Takes Two. I went from begrudgingly taking this review because I was now seemingly the Josef Fares reviewer on the site to actually being excited to see what he and Hazelight do next. The hardest part of recommending this game is that it is mandatory co-op, meaning that some people are going to have a difficult time finding the time to play a 12 hour game alongside a partner who can devote that much time as well. If that isn’t the case though and there is someone to play with, definitely give It Takes Two a shot. There’s nothing else like it.

Fans looking to scratch the survival horror itch will likely still not come away impressed by the direction the series has taken. Resident Evil has become more of an action-horror game; a change I have welcomed with open arms.

Dillon’s Dead Heat Breakers is a great title unfortunately released during a mass exodus from the 3DS to the Switch. It’s a shame because Dillon and his pal Russ are a great set of characters and the world they live in definitely could be explored even further but likely won’t, as this series never really took off the way I think Nintendo hoped it would.

A breath of fresh air to the PSP family.

Despite a few minor bugs that can be patched, Beyond Galaxyland is a testament to what indie developers can achieve with passion and creativity. With a wonderful combination of beautiful graphics, a fantastic narrative and engaging gameplay makes Beyond Galaxyland feel like a must play for fans of scifi epics and RPGs. It’s a journey that will stay with players after finishing, and it’s yet another shining example of the strength of the indie games.

With arcade-like, simplistic game play and easy controls, Tecmo Bowl: Kickoff gives a nice little alternative to the realism found in that other football title. Now if we could only get an Xbox Live Arcade or PSN version with online leagues life would be grand.

Capcom has delivered yet another fantastic HD remake.

The story, characters and even the very world that Wolfeye Studios have created for their freshman outing is so very unique and dare I say ‘weird’ that you can’t help but become wrapped up in them. I haven’t enjoyed a mash up of supernatural and westerns since Darkwatch and if you played that game, you know that’s high praise.

Fans of Lego games will sure have a fun time with LEGO Marvel.

While some may argue that it doesn’t feature the same depth of the EA title I found myself enjoying 2K’s offering much more.

Even if the side stuff has been there done that written all over it, you will be hard-pressed to find a better hockey game this year.

For those that have not ventured into this world, the time is perfect to jump in, and even for those that sampled it before, this is certainly a version worth coming back for.

Despite a rocky development cycle amongst a series of open and closed betas that had the FGC divided in their impressions of the game, Strive has released in its best state so far and presents itself as a solid foundation to build upon for many iterations to come in the future.

Transformers: The War for Cybertron is definitely a love-letter to fans of the G1 cartoon series. All of your favorite characters are here and somehow mixed in with a genuinely fun and competent shooter.

A perfect example of how to make a sequel. Sega and Monolith have fixed everything that was wrong with the original and made it an all around better game. The entertaining story and genuinely creepy atmosphere is well worth the price of admission and the substantial story mode is satisfying and challenging.

When all is said and done LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Sage is a fantastic game that deserves to be played by everyone. It is easily accessible, truly addictive, and loaded with tons of content to warrant the $50 price tag.

For $6.99 on the 3DS eShop, if you're into painting and like some cool tech, this app is for you. The replay feature is really nice, and I haven't seen anything like it on a gaming system before. The ability to view the gallery is also a great touch. For painting apps, this is probably the best one you can get.

El Shaddai is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. If you never had a chance to check it out, it is now available on Switch and PC, or you can dig up a copy on 360 or PS3, but the main point is, you should play it. It just oozes creativity and some of the best art design in a game. I was excited for each new area, the combat, while repetitive, is fun, and it has a story that remains interesting throughout. Find a way to play this game, it is more than worth the price of admission.

Concrete Genie is a wonderful experience with a strong message of kindness and forgiveness. Anyone wanting a fairly short, wholesome experience will find a lot to love here.

Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse is a gem of a game that deserves to get more attention on its second time around. Those that have nostalgia for platformers from the 16-bit era owe it to themselves to check out this quirky experience. There is a lot to love about the half-genie, and certainly not enough of these types of games currently available on home consoles.

There’s a lot to Slam Bolt Scrappers, and the game does a great job of walking you through new concepts as you progress. It’s a unique concept and a lot of fun to play, although the lack of online multiplayer is a real disappointment. Still, there’s plenty of fun to be had in the single player game, and for $10 it’s definitely worth picking up.

This is a polished, more feature-filled version of the original game that adds enough new to make it worthy of purchase by fans of the series. Melee weapons, new modes and new zombie types make this a must have for those that adored the original game.

Crash Team Racing Nitro Fueled is a beautiful trip back in time. It is also great that PS4 and XB1 owners finally have a truly great kart racer available on their machines. This game is a must-own for anyone that loves these types of games, and for the price it is impossible not to recommend. Just be prepared for the difficulty and remember playing on easy is perfectly fine, and much more enjoyable for that casual romp.

You may have a few hiccups here and there, but there's plenty to do in Prototype 2. More times than not, you'll have a blast doing all of it.

I challenge anyone not to have fun rolling down classic figures as they scream in dismay. Even if you have not been a fan of the tower defense genre, I highly recommend giving this game a go. It more than makes up for any shortcomings it has with pure style and grace.

This is just the first episode in a 3 part arc and it left me wanting more. While there is no time element here to mess with, the backtalk is interesting enough. Though story wise, there might be something going on, more than meets the eye if the end moments are any indication. Deck Nine has taken the franchise and totally captured what fans of the first game loved about it. The dialog, story, and drama that comes with it all. While there were a few moments of framerate stutter on the Xbox One, it was very few and far between. Otherwise, this was a solid first episode and if the quality keeps up, the entire prequel will be a nice companion pieces to the original game. Hopefully not taken anything away from it, but only adding more.

At $14.99 it is perfect for gamers that cut their FPS teeth on games like the original and others like it. Interceptor has done an amazing job at recreating one of my fondest memories of PC gaming.

Anyone who enjoys point and click adventures absolutely should not skip Sam & Max Save The World. The humor is unmatched in its cynicism and outlandishness. What other game has a statue of Lincoln come to life and fight one of the main characters for presidency, and child stars trying to help a television has-been take over the world? It’s surprisingly fresh over a decade later, and its timeless point and click gameplay delivers it all well. My inner teen is really happy Sam & Max has escaped the fall of Telltale.

Visually, XCOM 2 looks good, better than the last game, but it still doesn’t look amazing.

I’d highly recommend this game; it’s funny and addictive, with beautiful graphics and the novel mechanic of controlling a minion horde. However, if you’re looking for a high level of challenge, you may be disappointed.

Expanding the amount of content available (including the incredibly smart decision to open the horde-mode like Salmon Run game mode up at all times) makes this game the best one yet and one of the most enjoyable multi-player shooters on the market. If you have been a fan of the series in the past, Splatoon 3 is a must purchase.

The inclusion of Dynamic DNA and NBA Live 365 are two of the most important innovations in sports gaming this year. Combined with all of the other enhancements EA Canada has provided and you are looking at the most feature-rich basketball title to come along in some time.

With a decent campaign and a two player versus mode, the game has a lot of content to keep coming back to it.

Even with the small targeting issues, and the lackluster multiplayer Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X. is an excellent newcomer to the air combat/shooter genre that has been dominated by Ace Combat, I for one hope that they continue to build on the wonderful ideas that this game has shown, if only to make H.A.W.X. 2 an even better.

The Ascent is a wonderful experience that is easy to recommend thanks to Game Pass. It has some technical issues, some bugs, and also takes a while to get to the point, but it is worth the investment. There is little reason to not check it out if you have Game Pass. This is a game that is great with friends and even solo manages to entertain. I hope they continue to clean up the bugs over time, but for now it is easily one of my favorite experiences of the Summer.

As a whole, I highly recommend this game. It is a fun shooter that will certainly get you through to the next big release, and hopefully find a good following to keep matches going for months to come.

I never played Okami in any of its previous incarnations, and I feel that this was an injustice and I think it is fantastic that Capcom have continued to find ways to bring this game to as many people as possible. It is also great that Okami does not suffer from the dreaded Switch Tax, costing just $19.99, the same price as it is on the other current generation counterparts. Whether you fancy something a little different, or want to revisit a classic then grab yourself Okami and have a howling good time.

I had a great time with 9 Monkeys of Shaolin. It was a fun time for the most part, and I constantly wanted to experiment with the different gear and skills. It was one that I always found myself jumping back into it just to get a few more levels in. If you’re a fan of the beat ‘em up genre, this is one you will need to check out. It has the style and the complexity to keep players having fun for the entirety of the game.

The new monsters were the highlight of my experience in Sunbreak, the new crab monsters were by far my favorite. Due to them scuttling about it made their movements unpredictable and made for a much more dynamic and thrilling fight that forced me to get better at utilizing my movement skills. The only real issue with the expansion is that it takes so long to get to the new monsters. Having to complete the main game and then slog through the same monsters just juiced to Master rank makes for a bit of a slog but once you clear it the fun of discovering new monsters and techniques makes up for it. Sunbreak isn’t going to create new fans but it will give longtime ones a lot more of what they love.

Fuga: Melodies of Steel 3 isn’t just a continuation but a culmination. It takes what worked from the first two games, sharpens the mechanics, deepens the emotional storytelling, and delivers a strategy RPG experience that is as thoughtful as it is compelling. Be warned though, it’s not a casual playthrough. The tone is heavy, the themes are mature, and the decisions you make actually matter. But if you’re invested in these characters and this world, this third chapter is a rewarding, if sometimes emotionally draining, journey.

An amazingly fun game that definitely causes hours to pass without you noticing. The mixture of action and tower defense should really please fans of both, and the casual difficulty makes experimenting with different strategies a lot of fun without consequence.

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.

While the new features are a nice bonus, the core game is still here and still fantastic. Tropical Freeze was overlooked when it launched for many reasons. Now with Switch being as huge as it is, it is great to see this masterpiece get a second chance. I strongly recommend not passing this up a second time. Switch continues to make the Wii U feel obsolete daily, but it is great to see some of its best games getting a second chance.

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.

With a revamped control scheme, massive levels to explore, and tons of secrets to unlock Tomb Raider Legend will keep avid gamers busy for a very long time to come.

Without a doubt this is a fantastic playing and looking game. There are a few issues with the rogue-like elements and the boss fights can be a bit lacking, but that doesn’t stop 20XX from being a well made action platformer, and one worthy of comparing it to the legendary Mega Man series. Players looking for a new platformer to sink into will find a great time here, and any Mega Man fan should not hesitate to pick this one up. There’s a lot to love here and the things that it does right more than make up for its shortcomings.

Ar tonelico Qoga is a rather surprising game. I was expecting another boring, strange Japanese RPG with very sexual elements. What I got was an entertaining Japanese RPG with very sexual elements…that is also strange.

Super Scribblenauts is a extraordinary follow-up to a truly unique experience.

Amongst all the controversy on the possible oversaturation of HD remasters in the gaming industry, I feel this is one that deserved the treatment and more importantly, was executed competently.

Team Ninja has done an outstanding job of capturing the feel of the series, while adding their own flavor to the mix. Finally getting to hear Samus was an experience in and of itself. Learning the back story, even if it is a bit wordy and unoriginal, was more than worth the price of admission for this Metroid fan.

Although F1 2016 won’t be for everyone, it is a testament to Codemasters’ love of the genre and their commitment to their fans. Taking lessons learned from previous games and applying their expertise, Codemasters has created an almost perfect simulation of the greatest racing competition on earth.

Cluster Truck had me on the edge of my seat and also completely defeated at times, yet always having a blast in the process. Sounds like a win, win to me.

For the price at hand, this is a must have for Blitz fans and football fans alike. The sheer enjoyment is only hindered by a lack of customization options and, of course, the removal of some of the more violent content.

Inquisitor Martyr is a fun action RPG that I think fans of the genre will enjoy. The moment-to-moment combat is fine and serviceable, but the true meat of the game is in the builds and skill trees. So much so that it can be a little daunting to the player. If you are looking for something to hold you over until Diablo 4, you have something here to sink your teeth into, and if you’re a Warhammer 40k fan, it makes the package even better.

The difficulty and length of the single player campaign and the lack of "true" competitive multiplayer (read: deathmatch) makes this game a little disappointing. But, truthfully, I can forgive that as the game has great replayability and an awesome game mode in F*cking Run.

Star Wars Battlefront is easily my favorite multiplayer shooter of the year. I can’t stop playing it. It finds a perfect balance of strategy and diversity, and most importantly, it is extremely fun, something I find lacking in a lot of online shooters.

It’s an excellent title to introduce those unfamiliar with roguelikes to the genre, and those already a fan will find much to like here.