ilomilo is a wonderfully delightful puzzle game that will capture the imagination of just about anyone who enjoys a good thinking-man's puzzle game. The visuals and music are intoxicating and the level design is incredible.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is a marvelous puzzle game that stretches its initial value well beyond what I had anticipated. It will take players a hefty amount of time to master it all, and the game does a fantastic job of making you want to see and do everything.

If you are a fan of college basketball and just happen to own a PS3, then this game is a no-brainer. You will be hard pressed to find a more authentic experience on the console.

Despite having many of the series’ staple complexities stripped away, Shadows of Valentia proves a thoroughly enjoyable adventure. Those who found the Fire Emblem series too intimidating due to its difficulty and overwhelming depth need look no further for their accessible entry point to the franchise.

On Fire Edition is a great game, and at only $14.99, it could be one of the best deals on PSN right now. It will make you wonder how such a simple game can be so addicting. Kitrow may be right. Maybe it is the shoes.

I have been OBSESSED.

The combination of platforming and RPG elements just works, and delivers a great experience.

A remarkably spare looking spatial puzzle game, Echochrome delivers challenging gameplay and innovation. As a truly unique experience, Echochrome is hard not to recommend. A dash of Lemmings with a whole lot of M.C. Escher, I think the latter would be proud.

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.

With a full year of puzzles on top of what’s already in the game, puzzle enthusiasts will find a lot of enjoyment here.

The Walking Dead Season 2 has finally hit its stride for me. I really didn’t enjoy episode 1 too much due to both technical issues and having to set up back-story for many characters. Episode 2 remedies that by fixing all the bugs, putting the player in constant tense situations and having some truly frightening set pieces.

I can’t stress enough how much I love the look and feel of Sunset Overdrive. The style alone was worth the price of admission. Everything about it feels fresh. It isn’t derivative of other games, even though it borrows heavily from several.

Toy Soldiers is a nice introduction to the Block Party, and a game that should entice fans of the genre. If you are worn out on tower defense this game will certainly not pull you back in, but for those still digging it, this is one of the best on the service.

Crysis is an audio delight. From the thundering explosions, to report of sniper rifle shots from across an open area, you can't do better than the effects in this game.

The Terminator 2 of videogames. A sequel that contained all that made the original so good, without all the boring and unrefined portions...This is by far the most fun I have ever had with an open-world game.

RAGE is an excellent game that combines the pedigree of id's amazing gunplay with an open-world style game that focuses on action as opposed to RPG elements.

Overall, the Metal Gear Solid collection is a really nice portable version of two of the most compelling and cinematic games ever. If you are a fan and own a PSVita, then you may enjoy reliving some of the saga on the go. However, for those of you who have never played a Metal Gear game, pick this up if you love deep stories, incredible cinematic cut-scenes, complete thematic insanity, and the thrill of surviving by your wits.

Naughty Dog has become the de-facto Sony developer for a reason, and this showcases some of their best work. These games still hold up well today and highlight how this forgotten genre is still one of the best in gaming. If you own a PS3, this is yet another HD collection you simply have to own.

The art direction astutely compliments the gameplay and the self-referential, retro-infused style of Zombie Night Terror. It is a title that feels a lot like a postmodern love letter to games of a bygone era.

Going into Shantae: Half-Genie Hero as someone who had no experience with the series has left me feeling impressed by the undeniable charm of the titular heroine, and has all but guaranteed that I will be going back to check out the earlier games in the franchise for some more half-genie action.

Madden NFL 19 is a solid outing this year, but again it is more a refinement than anything else. It feels like a game targeted at the usual players and not bringing in anyone new. I hope that the series ups their game next year and really brings back the thunder it can certainly have. I still have issues with some of the AI, and the commentary really makes me feel like I am playing last year’s game at times.

This package is worth the price of admission for Planescape Torment alone. It’s a true classic of the genre and something that every western RPG fan should play at least once. Icewind Dale makes for a worthy counterbalance to the package overall and is certainly worth your time if you’re a fan of the Infinity Engine games, particularly if you enjoy the combat. All in all, I can definitely recommend this package for fans of this genre.

Crash Drive 3 is a lot of fun, it’s a great game to pick up have a little fun and move on till next time, but if you choose to stay longer you’ll find a ton of stuff to unlock and secrets to chase that will keep you busy for quite a while.

There really isn’t anything like Little Goody Two Shoes. That can be a help or a hindrance. Some people will fall off immediately, while others will no doubt be talking about this game for years to come. It is always cool to see a game that really surprise me with its structure in this day and age, and developer AstralShift has delivered a unique experience that does a great job setting itself apart from the pack. These are the kinds of games I love to see coming out of the Square-Enix Collective.

With the downfall of Mimimi Games, I feared that the real-time genre was all but lost. Its still a crying shame that their final game, Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew didn’t get more attention because it had a fantastic story and excellent gameplay. But the developer may be gone but their legacy is strong with Artificer games; Sumerian Six is a triumph in the genre with its immensely replayable levels, forgiving stealth approach and its quirky characters. Artificer has crafted an enjoyable game that blends the occult and science in an interesting story AND lets you knock out some nazis, what’s not to love here?

For fans of the original and newcomers alike, Star Fox 64 3D is a great addition to your 3DS library.

With improved visuals, new mechanics, and a more intuitive design- Ace Attorney: Spirit of Justice already has a lot going for it. Factor in a story filled with intrigue that’s as exciting to watch unfold as the best of what the series has to offer thus far and you’re left with an exceptional visual novel and a return to form for the series as a whole.

There are a few things here and there that can become nagging at times, but for all intents and purposes, Gran Turismo 6 is a fantastic racing game that fans of both racing and the series should check out.

GoldenEye 007 is a wonderful re-imagining of a classic game that some have held onto for far too long.

The art style and concept of John Rochard is very interesting, and the story, while a little bland, will keep you going to the end. Give it a shot. There's some fun to be had.

The level design leaves something to be desired, but with so much else going for it, it is easy to overlook. If you enjoy action games, and don't mind seeing pints of blood splashed across the screen, this game is a must have.

The fantastic gameplay, the beautiful graphics, and the amazing soundtrack just to name a few things make this an enjoyable experience. If you are not a fan of difficult games, I’d recommend renting this one first if possible because it is an extremely difficult game at the outset and will require a grind to be successful. But if that doesn’t bother you in the slightest, then come on in; the dojo is all set up.

Shadow of War improves on almost every aspect of the original game. There is so much to do and the systems in place are truly special. The story missions fall flat and the loot boxes are kind of gross, but otherwise this is one spectacular game. Those that enjoyed the original will find even more to love here. I just feel like this game is marred by controversy and a poor release window.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits feels like a blast from the past. We simply don’t get a lot of games like this anymore, when they used to be a dime a dozen. The visual fidelity and outstanding production values round out an excellent package, and I think everyone should check this game out. I am happy to see it finally make its way onto other platforms, even after three years I am sure there are some people who haven’t taken the plunge. Don’t skip this one, it is well worth your time and money.

Berserk Boy is a mix of a lot of my favorite retro games mixed with its own flavor of fun. I really enjoyed the nostalgia it delivers while also being able to stand on its own. Definitely recommend checking this one out if you enjoy anything Mega Man or the more recent Gunvolt Chronicles games. This is one that will entertain from start to finish. It isn’t overly frustrating, yet remaining challenging. The stages beg to be revisited and I had fun the entire time. With so many retro games dropping on a weekly basis, it takes a lot to stand out. Now if they would only put this on more platforms, I would be truly happy.

Overall Catherine: Full Body is a great experience built for both new players and veteran players alike. Not settling for a simple remaster, Atlus really pulled out all the stops at making this worth the money. Even as bad as I was, it was still a fun time. With all the different endings I think I’ll return to the game on an easier difficulty to experience it all, because the writing is so good and the gameplay is challenging but when in a good flow it can be highly addictive. Anyone like me who may have skipped over Catherine’s original release should remedy that with Full Body.

All in all, I am really encouraged by this year’s game. They’ve made some significant improvements on some important legacy issues that have held the game back for way too long. There is a ton to do here and a lot of different ways to experience the core gameplay. Showcase remains a highlight and the expansion of MyRise continues to flesh out the series as a single player experience. I’d like to see GM mode get a significant rework next year to make it feel like a more fully fledged option and continued work on the physics around foreign objects if you are a fan of wrestling games at all, WWE 2K23 is an easy recommend.

MadWorld is way too violent, has way too much cursing, and the gore factor is off the chart, and boy am I glad it is. MadWorld is an amazing game that you have to experience yourself. With a solid story and simplistic and easy to learn controls, the game offers more than just shock value. This is one of the best games I have played or seen for the Wii.

Even though I’m relatively pleased with the outcome as the four friends carry the moment to moment gameplay with grace, the disjointed and lackluster storyline leaves an indelible mark on what is otherwise an incredibly well crafted RPG well worth experiencing.

For those that already made the journey though, this PC port feels more like a gesture of good faith, than a reason to return to Gransys. Still for those that have forgotten the glory, or never gave it a chance, this is the version to own. I enjoyed revisiting this forgotten gem, now please can we just have a sequel, oh and make sure it has the original intro song. Still a classic.

Each stage is its own treat and without spoiling levels there’s not much to say other than it plays really well. I never doubted GoodFeel’s talent because I’ve seen their work; this was clearly a passion project as they published this themselves in Japan, so I imagine the budget wasn’t huge, yet they still produced a high-quality game. I had a lot of fun.

It had been a long time since I last thought about a good game of Tetris, and I had never even seen a Puyo Puyo before, but having these two games come together in such a way has been a true delight. This is also a perfect game to have on the switch. Great on the go when you just need to pass the time, but equally as good on the big screen with some mates to challenge.

An out in left field gem, it's a blast to play, and its odd side experiences and thrilling levels will bring back a feeling of pure fun that games use to be about.

A true culmination of an epic journey filled with unforgettable characters in a world that has become as familiar and inviting to me as my own hometown. If not for the lackluster localization effort and continuous implementation of uneven voice acting, this could have been the perfect send off for the members of Class VII, Thors military academy.

Skulls of the Shogun is a cute, accessible game that’s easy to pick up and play, but adds enough depth and strategy over the course of the experience to remain entertaining.

Fans of Far Cry 3 should not miss this fantastic experience, and anyone who grew up watching films like Terminator, Aliens and Commando owe it to themselves to play this, as it was certainly crafted by people who understand the culture.

With a bit more focus and a little more tweaking, Assassin's Creed could have been a great game. Unfortunately, it fails to deliver on many promises we've heard over the last year.

I’m not sure whether to recommend Happy Game or not. I think most people will be disappointed with its short play time and easier puzzles. Any fan of Amanita will definitely find joy in this new direction for the studio but will maybe be let down in comparison to past titles’ puzzles. In short, Happy Game is good, people should play it, but wait for a sale.

Even though I wasn’t as big of a fan of the song list in XONiC compared to other DJMax games, the developers at PM Studios prove themselves to be back in top form with a slick package that plays just as well as it looks.

Once again The Show stands out as a must own for sports fans looking to dive in at home or on the go.

Bravely Second is a title that builds on the success of its predecessor without taking too many risks. There are only a handful of new mechanics and ideas present here, but as the original was brimming with so much innovation, I have a hard time holding it against the sequel for upholding the precedents made by its predecessor. In turn, it also stands amongst the best JRPGs on offer for the 3DS.

EA Sports Active is easily the most robust and enjoyable fitness experience on the Wii to date. Even without the Wii Fit board you can get a fantastic workout in as little as twenty minutes, and the best part of all is that it is fun.

It’s a well done package, and on top of that a fun and charming little game.

While all MOBAs have gone one direction, Awesomenauts Assemble! is still – after all these years – one of a kind. Its 2D platforming and overall accessibility make it great for kids, people new to the genre, and MOBA aficionados looking for a cool distraction from their main game.

At the end of the day, it’s really hard to talk about these games. I’ve reviewed two of them before and said what I needed to say there, and it still holds true to this day. Crysis 2 and 3 are great games that any FPS fan would enjoy. Crysis 1 shows its age here and there, but it’s not a rough game by any means and all three look really great in 4K. It’s a decent package for three fun FPS games with a lot going for them all for 50 bucks. If you’re into shooters and have never tried them before, or if you’re looking for a fun return to some great games, it’s hard to go wrong here.

Madden 26 is the biggest upgrade in years. The revamped franchise mode is great, the on-field mechanics are a welcome change, and it just feels good to play. I ran into several glitches early on, that seem to have been ironed out over the weeks after release. The game continues to chug along and I am enjoying the new stuff, but I do really hope it sees competition again someday. I feel like we go 4-5 years between meaningful upgrades, and even those usually come at a cost. Still if you are an NFL fan the game is solid. The changes are welcome, but how on Earth are we still not able to replicate a halftime show that was created 20 years ago in a $20 game. Something that continues to boggle my mind to this day…

The whole point of Terraria is to explore, find weird contraptions and treasure chests, and use new items to make even more awesome things. I just wanted to keep unlocking the secrets of the game, and that is why this simple yet massive game just keeps giving and giving. I have barely scratched the surface, and I can’t wait to play some more.

Marvel’s Midnight Suns is a game that will demand your time and attention, its not a quick experience but it is just that, an experience one that is nicely balanced in its fantastic story and above average action for a perfect melding of what makes superheroes so cool to being with.

Laser League should be the next big thing since Rocket League. It all really depends on the player base and how many dedicated players it will bring. There’s a lot to unlock here, and while it is complex at times, the main core gameplay is as simple as can be, which is what makes it so addicting to play. I highly suggest this game to anyone that likes team-based games with a little strategy. It’s fun, easy to pick up and play, and even more fun to master.

Pool Nation has the look and the feel of a really great Pool sim, and any fan would be advised to pick it up. It may not cater to the wider crowd, but pool games aren’t exactly a dime a dozen, and seeing one come along that does so many things right will make any PS3 playing hustler happy.

Project Cars is a massive package that can be tailored to anyone who enjoys racing games.

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

For anyone who wrote this game off for any reason, please give this game another shot. It contains a wonderful story, one of the most satisfying final battles, some of the best humor in any Zelda game, plenty of completely optional side content, and some really unique gameplay that only Skyward Sword has offered. I have never been happier to say I was wrong about a game.

Flynn: Son of Crimson is just a solid game. It has all the charm I would expect from these games, but also backs it all up with tight controls and some interesting combat mechanics. Thrown in some exploration and nice upgrades in for good measure, and you have yourself a great action platformer that any fan of Shovel Knight would enjoy.

Muramasa: The Demon Blade is another example of a developer that truly takes pride in what they do. The sheer visual enjoyment you can take away from this experience is endless, making this one of the best looking game this generation.

Madden NFL 13 is a fantastic update to the series. It feels like a complete overhaul. Sure, some of the new things will need tweaking in the years to come, but this is a great step in the right direction.

It’s always difficult to talk about pinball tables. While tables are subjective in many ways, I can say I enjoyed my time with both, but had much more fun with Might of the First Order. Both tables are a fine addition to the Zen Pinball series, and fans of pinball should more than likely pick this pack up.

Overall, Monster Hunter Stories 2 is a fine game. It does nothing offensive while still having some great mechanics thrown in. The story is decent, the combat is fun, but can get a little long in the tooth and the overall progression system was fine albeit a bit one note after a while. Monster Hunter fans can have a fun time with it while old school RPG fans will get more out of the mechanics of the combat mixed with the rite of channeling that can really get the maximum stat boosts going. It has its pacing issues here and there with the combat and the quest progression, but overall, these are minor compared to the sheer amount of things you can do while still raising the best team of Monsties you can make.

I very much enjoyed the gameplay but most of all the story was so touching and the sense of discovery as you peel back the mystery of the kaiju’s origins is very well done. If you need a break from constant destruction, Tentacular might be the fresh sea breeze for you.

If you only snag one copy of this game this year, the PSP version is definitely more than worth your money.

NHL 21 feels like an incremental step up from last year’s game. What I enjoyed is that even with my limited knowledge of the sport I could hop in and have a great time. I really will come back once the NHL 94 mode drops into the game. Those classic games were great even if I had no clue what icing was. For those looking to upgrade it might not be revolutionary, but this year’s game sure is a lot of fun once you get past its shortcomings.

Despite the dumb downed Alchemy and some technical issues, Atelier Yumia marks a great first step towards a new future for this long running series with its fun and rewarding exploration and enjoyable fast paced combat.

While the name may be confusing, this could easily be a blueprint for the successor to Ghosts ‘n Goblins, which is what it seems they set out to do, and they nailed it. If you are like me and grew up pulling your hair out at these punishing side-scrollers, this game is an easy purchase. It captures the magic, while bringing enough of its own charm to make it feel fresh. Plenty try to capture that magic, but few achieve what the team at Abylight Studios has managed to create here.

Even if you have played through them already, the enhanced visuals and nostalgia are reason enough to take the journey back through these classic platformers.

Age of Empires 4 is the perfect mix of old and new and I really think the legions of fans who’ve been waiting ever so patiently for 16 years for a new entry in this storied franchise will find much to love here.

Still, at the end of the day, Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair is one of the most fun and exciting visual novel games on the market. While the PlayStation platform may never get their hands on the Ace Attorney series, I believe Danganronpa has reached a similar level of prestige and quality.

If you are someone who enjoys their racing games with more structure, something like Gran Turismo or Burnout Paradise, then you may find that Trackmania2 will leave you cold. However, if you are fan of the first game, or fancy flexing your design muscles, then there is a lot of fun to be found here. Just make sure you know what sort of game you are getting yourself into.

Despite some issues that makes it feel like a step below Azure Striker Gunvolt 2, Luminous Avenger iX is still a worthy inclusion in the Gunvolt Chronicles universe.

For the 4 to 6 hours the game lasts, it’s definitely a memorable experience.

Thankfully the multi-player really saves the day and makes this game a must own title for all 360 owners. If you are buying it for a single-player experience you may want to look elsewhere.

Fans of shooters and challenging games will have a lot of fun here. Sure, the boss fights can get a bit annoying with the minions, the randomly generated areas can get repetitive, and the co-op, while it works well, isn’t perfect, but the world, the action, and the feel of Remnant is really what makes it a great playing game and one I think everyone should give a shot, especially at the price point it is at.

Even on the highest difficulty, matches are often too easy to win, as the AI doesn’t even take advantage of the limb damage system and pulls off whatever random attacks it can at the time.

Cities Skyline is a welcome addition to the Xbox One, and consoles in general. It’s a competently made city building game, one that hasn’t been dumbed down for those that prefer a console to PC. It may take a while for the game to open up and kick into gear, but when it does, there is no limit to what you can build.

While it was nice to dig back in for a while, I have moved on to other titles now, so anyone looking for a double dip will likely not get as much mileage out of this version. For the few that have yet to play it though, you are in for a treat. The PC version is by far the best looking iteration of the game, and the amount of content packed in here will keep players occupied for months. That is of course if the online manages to get a foothold.

Ninja Gaiden II is the type of game that will mollify its fanbase and not much else. There is nothing here to lure in new fans to the series, but what is here is exactly what you would expect from a sequel to the original game.

There are enough improvements to keep returning players intrigued for months, and newcomers will really have a blast with the Dynamic Skill and tutorial options.

Despite feeling that this was a bit of a missed opportunity, the Phoenix Wright Trilogy on the Switch has now become my recommended way to experience this classic story thanks to its various quality of life updates and solid price point.

Immortals Fenyx Rising is by far one of the best surprises of 2020. It shot directly up to the top of my best games of the year.

Banishers: Ghost of Eden is a unique title that just stumbles along the way. It has some severe pacing issues and clunky combat that really drag down the overall experience. I wanted to love it a lot more than I did. It feels like Dontnod’s usual unique take on a genre that feels just a bit undercooked. Still once it drops in price and perhaps receives a few updates, I think this could easily graduate to the status of hidden gem. There are a lot of cool concepts here that I really enjoyed. I just wish I didn’t have to wait so long to get to them.

NBA Live 10 is a fantastic upgrade to the series as it focused more on what was wrong with previous versions instead of trying to substitute them with more features.

Why complain if “more of the same” is serving up consistent goodness?

As a first-time console and genre effort from a developer best known for making the self-proclaimed, “one handed shooting game”, Stellar Blade is an extraordinary effort that impressed from beginning to end with an expert mix of story, combat, and exploration.

Regardless of the mistakes in the translation, Steins;Gate 0 is a worthy follow up to one of my favorite stories in all of fiction, and enhances the original by further expanding its narrative scope and filling in the gaps that were left open-ended. Those who have played Steins;Gate or watched the anime should already know well enough to pick up zero, so I’ll take this opportunity to firmly recommend the original again and again and again and again and again.

While still not driving it out of the park like they did with Wild West Rampage and Venom, Ant-Man is a solid table that I suggest pinball fans pick up. It has some unique things going for it, and stands out more than the last Marvel table, Age of Ultron.

There isn’t a whole lot original about Oceanhorn 2, it very proudly wears its inspiration to the The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker; not on its sleeve but its cosplaying as Link. This isn’t a bad thing at all, as I said above there aren’t very many of these games on Xbox (which is really sad btw). More than that because it doesn’t have a rage inducing difficulty it makes Oceanhorn 2 a great game for families to play together which is something that can’t be said for a lot of adventure games lately. Some of my fondest memories is playing games with my mom watching (she isn’t a gamer) and finding a game like that now as a father is rare. So, in this sea of utterly fantastic games in the year of our Lord 2023, don’t sleep on Oceanhorn 2 – Knights of the Lost Realm.

Punch-Out!! with a fantasy spin, Rage of the Gladiator packs an admirable punch into its 40MB package. Bright colors and diverse tactics keep each fight exciting and challenging.

It doesn’t really add much new to the genre but it checks all the boxes that rogue-lites require and there is nothing wrong with that.

This collection is more than worth the time even if the digital version feels incomplete. It was great revisiting these classic shooters all in one place. They are not as in-depth as other shooters, but are still a ton of fun. Definitely worth checking out for anyone that still clings to that classic genre.