Shadows: Awakening is a solid game in a genre that is easy to get lost in. The issue is that its high price point and drawbacks make it hard to recommend above something else. It just doesn’t stand enough on its own two legs to be remarkable. That doesn’t take away from the fact that I enjoyed nearly my entire time with it. Those that pick it up will likely not be disappointed; it is just getting someone to take the plunge that could cause problems. This is the kind of game that would have benefitted from being just a bit cheaper at the outset.

It is impossible not to recommend Capcom Beat ‘Em Up Bundle. There is so much joy packed in this compilation. The genre has definitely seen a resurgence as of late, but it is impossible to deny how good these classics are. If only Capcom had been able to figure out the licenses behind some of their more popular titles like Alien vs. Predator. Perhaps in the future, but for now this is the best place to perform jump kicks anywhere.

SNK Heroines is a game that attempts to appeal to a very specific audience, but it is not even a good “one of those” games. It mishandles the aspects it is attempting to nail and is just not a lot of fun to play. With titles like Blade Strangers and Fighting Layer EX doing a better job at just about every aspect of the genre, there are better options available for players. I would avoid this one at all costs.

Valkyria Chronicles 4 weaves an emotionally charged tale about how war changes everything it touches and even through moments where winning felt just as bad as losing, I felt compelled to push forward to the end. As a title that carries the heavy burden of expectations following the original’s pedigree of excellence as well as having to make up for a string of lackluster sequels that followed, Squad E carries on with its head held high, exceeding lofty expectations as it improves on nearly every aspect of the original, proving with utmost certainty that this is one of the finest series the genre has to offer.

Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor Martyr (told you the name was ridiculous) is a solid game that I had a lot of fun with…once I got past its blemishes. A patch or two and this game might be a must-own for ARPG fans. Right now though, it is hard to recommend due to its hindrances.

In spite of the wacky and colorful art design, Shikhondo: Soul Eater is a bland and unfulfilling experience. The gameplay is just okay, and there are no hooks that give this Flatline a heartbeat.

Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate earns the “Ultimate” in its moniker with visual and gameplay improvements as well as a wealth of additional content compared to its original counterpart on the 3DS. Whether you were first introduced to the MH series with Worlds or you’re a long time fan that’s kept up from the beginning, there’s a lot to enjoy here. It presents some of the very best of the various generations of MH, sporting a roster of over 90 different monsters to hunt but with that history, it carries the tried and true conventions of the franchise before the fifth fleet made shore on a new world and changed everything. For better or worse, that’s for you to decide.

I can go on and on about how great Original Sin II is and honestly, I’d love to, but I think I have said what needs to be said here. ANY role playing fan needs to pick this game up. It has the options, the story, the look, and the feel of a truly amazing RPG, and it shows. D&D players will love the role playing aspects of it, and tactical fans will fall in love with the turn-based combat. It has damn near everything in it including co-op, so you won’t even have to experience this alone. It’s one of the best RPGs I have played in years and one that no one should pass up.

Blade Strangers is a fine fighting game. It has a simple mindset, but a very complex nature that allows the newcomers to pop in and have a fun time learning the ins and outs while veterans can dive deep into the systems and have just as much fun. It is a fast and nimble fighting game with a lot of flashy combos that fans of the genre can appreciate. I can only hope that this niche fighter will gather a player base. Until then, casual fighting game fans may want to find a deal on this one, but those of you that are looking for a novelty fighting game with some interesting characters will have a fun time here.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider is a spectacular close to an amazing trilogy. It has been a fantastic ride and I cannot wait to see where the series goes from here. Shadow is a must play game for those that have enjoyed the series up to this point. It continues the trend of excellence set forth by Crystal Dynamics.

Brawlout is pretty much what you would expect it to be, a mediocre attempt at a genre that has its main event as a console exclusive. Playing on your own won’t be much fun and neither will be trying to grind out the coins to unlock the cook stuff. But get some friends together and there is definitely some fun to be had.

Fire Pro Wrestling world has so much to offer that I cannot recommend it enough. From top to bottom the game is a tremendous love letter to the sport and to its fans. Veteran players will find plenty of new content here to justify a purchase and new fans who are willing to commit to the play style the franchise demands will find a wrestling experience deeper than they can get anywhere else. With a host of additional content on the way in the form of DLC and endless combinations of matches through the incredible edit tool this game should be at the top of the purchase list for all wrestling fans.

Death’s Gambit has style, personality and some potentially innovative ideas that takes it well beyond a mere copy-cat Souls game. Unfortunately, the game’s inner demons quickly reduce things to a repetitive grind. That grind doesn’t always feel like it’s worth the time investment, despite the enchanting visual glamour. It’s worth a look because of its unique style, which really is a cut above the rest, and it is clear that White Rabbit have had a good crack at producing a game that tries to be creative with an established formula. However, be prepared for a journey that’s a bit of a slog in more ways than one.

It’s a decent tower defense game with some RPG elements thrown in. While I don’t like the padding the developers thrown in, I can still see past a lot of its faults like the camera not being the best or the occasional slow down that occurs when big waves are hitting. It’s still a fun tower defense game that does a lot of things right and fans of the genre will still enjoy. I would say just wait for a slight price cut.

F1 2018 may not be the next be landmark game in the series, but Codemasters have continued to develop and improve the franchise, making it more involved for those that care and more fun for those that don’t and it is these changes, and their commitment to making these games as appealing as possible, that continue to cement them as one of the best driving game developers out there.

I can see that there is a game to be enjoyed in Phantom Doctrine. I really want to enjoy it, I can’t though until the issue with combat is fixed. So far the best solution has been what Mario + Rabbids has done with its cover system, but even that isn’t a perfect response to a clear problem with turn based strategy games. There’s some unique aspects that I hope are observed by other developers but there are better strategy titles out there like Invisible Inc. that do the core basics better.

I really enjoyed my time with Strange Brigade. It was both fun and exciting to see what the next level had in store for me, and having some buddies to play it with made it even more fun. Even if you don’t have friends to play it with, the random joined player can’t really mess you up and playing solo isn’t a bad deal either. While some of the levels can get a little long in the tooth, it was a fun ride that I think any action shooter fan will enjoy and get a lot out of even for only 8-10 hours. Give it a shot. You may even chuckle at some of the narrator’s jokes.

The Messenger is a horrible name for a game that pays homage to Ninja Gaiden. Don’t let the name stop you, though. This is one of the best of its type and is worth checking out. I do wish it was more widely available across consoles, but Switch and PC owners should certainly not miss this one.

Spider-Man is yet another outstanding title in Sony’s first party library. PS4 owners should not hesitate to snag it when it drops. The quality they put into these titles is impressive and Insomniac continues to prove they can deliver on big-budget titles. Even with its minor gripes I still thoroughly enjoyed my time with Spidey and the gang. Perhaps we will see another one in the years to come, but for now this is the best our web-slinger has been since the early days of the PS2 era.

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.

With its odd and yet striking visual style, State of Mind presents an intriguing world, in the precipice of a revolution. Following the exploits of a deeply flawed and complex character, the journey through the streets of Berlin is a fruitful one that I’m sure to remember. However, a myriad of pacing issues as well as a lack of interesting gameplay elements makes it very unlikely that I’ll be visiting the year of 2048 anytime soon. Perhaps we’ll see in thirty years.

Fans of the first title will be thrilled that there’s more Guacamelee in the world, and there’s new mechanics and challenges to play with. New players should go back and experience the first Guacamelee and enjoy that, but there’s definitely enough backstory and tutorial in Guacamelee 2 to make any player comfortable with playing. With the only downside being that this may be one of the harder platforming experiences in recent years and therefore not for everyone, Guacamelee 2 stands out as one of the finest, and funniest titles of 2018. Don’t let this one skip by.

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.

Dead Cells is most certainly a difficult game. It’s not going to take it easy on you, and it can get brutal at times, especially when making no progress in runs. While the game pushes for a speed run playthrough for the best possible outcome, it is important to know that rushing into a level can easily ruin a run for you. The fun is in the combat without a doubt, and any action fan will have a great time with this one. Even if you don’t normally enjoy Rogue-like style game, this is one of those you have to pick up.

Fighting EX Layer is a hard sell to casual fighting game fans. Its lack of modes is its biggest downfall. For those who grew up with Arika’s work though it is a pure joy to play. I hope they continue to support the game and add more and more content as it goes on. Perhaps it will be featured at EVO next year instead of just a side option. With the announcements of new characters, stages, and even crossover characters, the future looks bright. I just hope the momentum continues.

It is one heck of a ride, and with the systems in place it can be one of the most rewarding experiences players can have. On top of all that, Capcom has already planned to bring a lot of the missions and special events to the PC version over time, and they’re all free. The PC version holds up very well and even if with its co-op woes still present, this is one game that no one should miss out on, and now that it is everywhere, you have no excuse to not pick it up.

Iconoclasts is a brilliant game that permeates from the amount of care and time put into it. It is by far one of the best of 2018, and I recommend everyone give it a go. It is now available on almost everything (still waiting on my XB1 version guys!) and even if you are as sick of the tried and true formula of so many other games in this genre, this one stands out. Yes it is worth noting that we are affiliated with the publisher, but I promise that has no bearing on my feelings for this game. It stands out above the crowd and deserves so much more attention than it is currently getting.

Wario Ware Gold is the best of Wario Ware and more, and a reason to pick up a 3DS again. It’s got a super weird sense of humor that isn’t replicated, it pays loving tribute to Nintendo’s history, and most importantly it’s pure fun. There’s plenty of game here for the price as well, with it all being unlocked the more it’s played. A must own in handheld gaming and a good sign that the 3DS isn’t dead yet.

Gene Rain is one of those games that has the potential of having the it’s so bad, it’s good stamp on it, but actually playing the game is a frustrating chore that many will turn off after about 30 minutes. On top of that, they’re asking 30 bucks for it, which is about as laughable as the game’s voiced dialog. If this was maybe a 10 dollar game, I would say bad game fans could find some fun out of Mystery Science Theater 3000’ing it, but no way should anyone spend as much as they’re asking for it now. It’s confusing, boring, frustrating, and not worth your time and money.

Like any good DLC pack though, this game also has some tweaks and fixes for the core game. Sure it was great, but it wasn’t perfect. Some mechanics have been altered and a few of the bosses have been tweaked. This really feels like the definitive version of the game. For those that already own it, the $5 for the DLC is a no-brainer. For fans wanting a physical copy, the additions and price are outstanding. Sonic Mania Plus is the best version of a great game. It feels good to be talking about Sonic in a positive light once again.

At the end of the day though, this is just blackjack. It may be the most aesthetically pleasing version of blackjack, but that’s it. I would recommend skipping the console versions and trying out the mobile versions instead.

As before No Man’s Sky is a game that I enjoyed the most when I was moving under my own steam, plodding along as a leisurely place. The NEXT update brings a lot of great new features to the game and as a result it now feels more complete than it ever has. It is also the perfect time to release the game on Xbox to a new audience that may not have yet had the chance to play it. Sure, there is still a lot of fine tuning that needs to happen and I may still have the odd bone to pick, but this update proves that Hello Games are 100% committed to making No Man’s Sky the best game they possibly can.

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.

I would say if you’re looking for a trial and error game with high difficulty, but rewarding game play, go for Trials over Guts and Glory. You’ll get a few laughs seeing how characters die, but in the end, it becomes frustrating far too quickly.

Red Faction: Guerrilla Re-Mars-tered brings back the best destruction in gaming. It also opens the door for another game in the series. Let’s hope Volition remembers what made this game so great and doesn’t go the way of its actual sequel Armageddon. That featured more linear progression and not nearly as much destruction. This was a great step into the past and thankfully the things that made it great still hold up today.

Candle: The Power of the Flame is a beautiful game with a charming and emotionally resonant story. That may not be enough for players who don’t want to spend a good deal of time on challenging puzzles and helplessly wandering the play area for a long time, searching every nook and cranny. The overall design is good most of the time, but at times when it doesn’t translate to the player, it quickly crosses into frustration.

At the end of the day The Long Reach is worth the short time it takes to play, I’m just not sure at full price. Had the ending really stuck the landing on everything the gameplay was delivering I’d say it’s a must, but unfortunately the story is just alright. On sale I think any adventure fan will find enjoyment in The Long Reach.

Tempest 4000 is another Tempest game. If you are OK with that and perhaps need an excuse to retire the Vita version, then this package will be worth it. Otherwise this game feels like a relic that didn’t really need the 4K upgrade.

Shining Resonance Refrain is a good, albeit predictable JRPG. There are a few neat mechanics stored within its walls, but for the most part it simply exists. While PS4 (and even Switch owners) are used to these types of games though, Xbox One owners simply are not. So this is a solid entry for that console. It is also cool that Sega is bringing a game that was lost in time to the US back from the dead. I enjoyed my time with this game, warts and all, and I think anyone who is a fan of the genre will too.

There really isn’t much to say about the MMX Legacy Collection. Given my fondness for the series, I’m always happy to have more people discover the pure platforming bliss that most of the series offers and while there certainly is value in keeping things faithful to the original, I would have much preferred a collection of true remasters as it would have gone a long way to justify the asking price.

Mothergunship is for those who don’t mind punishing themselves and who like to break through walls to make progress. Challenging and with a unique gun crafting mechanic, the game manages to break the mold slightly. But with some performance issues and the uninspired settings I feel that the game may be better served with a price drop.

While it’s not Left 4 Dead, it is still a decent co-op shooter that really tries its best to be one. While there are some issues with AI and glitches, I still had a decent time with Earthfall. Co-op really makes up for a lot of the issues, and for a relatively cheap price, you can more than likely get a few friends to pick it up and have some fun co-op action for a few hours.

At times The Nameless Chronicles plays with perspective and camera angles to really great effect. This is something Nier did extremely well, and I have to say there are moments in The Nameless Chronicles I think emulates that aesthetic very well. Like the previous Anima title, I think this will go under most people’s radar which is a shame.

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.

Even the cinematics have been redone in full 4K glory. This is one great-looking game, and deserves to be showcased. Especially being a genre that has had its ups and downs over the years. With how easy it is to slap some new packaging and call a game a remaster is these days, it is refreshing to see one treated with such care.

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.

Mario Tennis Aces is a fine addition to the series and a far cry from the bare-bones offering from the Wii U. The single player mode offers up plenty for solo players while the online and local play will keep me coming back.

Overall Super Bomberman R is a great take on the classic formula. I enjoyed what it delivered and the extra characters add that nostalgia meter rise for me. I just wish Konami was bringing them to more franchises outside of this one. Still, this game serves its purpose and it is nice to finally see it on other consoles outside of the Switch.

YAZDHD isn’t an expensive game, so I am not too fussed about the value prospect. It may not look pretty, but it handles well and if it wasn’t for the online bugs and the lack of player base, I would probably recommend this more. But if you regularly have friends over, then this wouldn’t be the worst way to spend some time.

There is a ton to see and do in Nier: Automata. Talking about much of it does it a disservice to the player. Don’t think about it. The game is finally on Xbox One. The more platforms the merrier. Perhaps one day Switch owners will get to experience it as well. This is a once-in-a-generation type experience. Go buy this game. Play it multiple times. It is worth every second of investment and I enjoyed pounding through all the endings for a second time. Somehow it was even better.

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.

Tennis World Tour is a mess of a game. The AI is a joke that makes it too easy to beat, the modes are lacking, there are glitches galore, and I honestly think the support for this game is not happening, which means that online multiplayer may very well never come. If you’re looking for a Tennis game to sink time into, I would say stick to something else. Anything else, really. This one is not worth your time or your money.

Although this game is worthy of a good score, I cannot recommend this version to anyone who owns a PC or other console, as having it playable on the go is not worth the premium it costs to do so. However, if the Switch is the only console you own and you have been waiting for the port to arrive, then go ahead and grab it. It’s one helluva great game and, quite honestly, a miracle of coding.

Is The Crew 2 an improvement on the original? Without a doubt, yes. Should Forza Horizon be worried? Nope. The improvements made to this sequel and its unique take on racing are let down by lack of improvements where it counts, and some design choices that left me scratching my head. Thankfully, Ubisoft have really set their stall out when it comes to supporting their games over long periods of time, so there may still be some hope. If you are looking for something to tide you over while you wait for Forza Horizon 4, sure you do worse than pick this game up. But I would recommend waiting on a price cut first.

When Evolution works, it works beautifully. It is precisely the game I wanted it to be. I wish the free mode was unlocked from the start, but it doesn’t take much to get it open. Future updates and some promised free DLC means I will be digging into this game for months to come. Couple that with the ridiculous prices online for the original Operation Genesis and I will stick with this updated Jurassic Park builder.

Dark Souls Remastered is exactly what the name implies and fans will adore it. I still suck royally at these games. I still want an easy mode so I can manage to get through them without frustration, but the game that spawned a genre is still finely crafted. The jump in framerate and added DLC make this the package to own. For new and old players this is the version to own.

Riddled Corpses’ solid gameplay and faithful retro feel mostly make up for a limited and sometimes disappointing progression system. It’s likely to please those who don’t mind grinding as well as those who enjoy a challenge – superficial and linear as it may be.

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.

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.

While I suggest picking it up for the comedy factor and some of the stylish game play, I would still recommend you wait for a slight price drop for now, but when it does happen, pick this one up.

Vampyr is a game I feel a lot of people will be discussing in a few years. It will be remembered fondly with its interesting ideas and brilliant storytelling. I wish the hindrances were not so apparent though. I feel like a lot of people will be turned off by the poorly paced intro and combat. Still if you are like me and can look past those blemishes, Vampyr is an amazing ride well worth the journey.

A fighting game featuring characters from multiple beloved series I’ve come to adore through over a decade of fierce competition should have been nothing short of a dream come true. However, reality has a bad habit of encroaching on all precious dreams, and while the final product plays well enough, it stands not as the glorious celebration of Arcsys fighters history but instead as bittersweet reminder of what could have been.

This is a fantastic package. While there are some things that annoy me, it is impossible to recommend a better collection of these games to date. The addition of online for select games and the inclusion of some truly obscure ones makes up for its deficiencies.

After waiting all these years, it’s absolutely wonderful to see PixelJunk Monsters back once more, but the more I played it, I couldn’t help but feel a looming sense of disappointment at the lack of content and new ideas. It’s a game I hoped to love but walked away only liking, and that’s a shame for what is a follow up to my favorite tower defense game of all time.

ONRUSH is a great arcade racing game that scratches so many itches. I wish the single player was a little more drawing and diverse. I also wish some of the modes were a little more exciting, but as a new take on the genre, it feels fantastic. Don’t skip this one, it is a must-play for anyone that enjoys arcade racing.

Regardless of the faults that game may have, Moonlighter is a fantastic game, both in mechanics and in execution. The carrot-on-a-stick nature of the progression is superb, and the dungeon parts are both challenging and rewarding. That, along with the wonderful soundtrack and nice pixel art, make for a beautiful aesthetic that is both fun and nice to see in action. Any fan of action RPGs should pick this one up. It can last players a nice long time and never once get boring.

If you missed out on this game on Wii U I cannot recommend it enough. However, if you are like me and already sank double-digit hours into the original, you will find it hard to justify another $60 for this game.

Fox N Forests is a pretty decent game. The only real downside is the pacing and having to do the same levels over again just to collect seeds to continue the game. The game plays great, looks just how I wanted it to, and has that style that really gives off the nostalgic feel. People looking to scratch that 16-bit platformer itch will have a good time with it, and people looking to find nice 16-bit recreation will get something well done here.

If one was to ignore the technical issues and consider it in isolation, Pillars of Eternity 2 could be deemed a solid game. Whilst on the surface it appears to offer depth and choice, effectively the content is relatively simple and linear. Nevertheless, there are some great side quests and locations to engage with, and a large number of stories and peoples to encounter. However, given the optimisation woes and the illusory depth offered by the main story, I lost interest in what I was doing fairly early on.

This game is the definition of okay. It’s not boring, there’s definitely enjoyment to be had, but what enjoyment there is is hindered by poor decisions.

The games are still great, and for any newcomers to SEGA or just games in general I say buy this to experience these titles because it’s the most forgiving any of these games have been. As an archival look at SEGA’s glory days though this is yet another fumble and I can’t wholeheartedly recommend it, especially when a more complete collection has been available on Steam for years and was updated to share the same features as the console release (and it has more games in it).

There is a lot of crap to wade through in gaming today. So when something as special and fun as Horizon Chase Turbo comes along, I feel the need to shout it from the rooftops. If you grew up in arcades loving those classic sit-down racing games, this is one you need to play. I cannot wait to spend more time with it, and hope the devs get a chance to make more titles that rekindle my childhood nostalgia.

State of Decay 2 feels like a pretty run-of-the-mill sequel. It packs in more while refining less. The addition of co-op is great, I just wish they would have focused more on streamlining and cleaning up some of its technical issues. Still with this game free in Game Pass and only carrying a $30 price tag I feel like it lives up to expectations. For those that enjoyed the original game, this will certainly satisfy. For those that didn’t care for the original’s design, this sequel will not change your mind.

In this particular version of the Conan the barbarian, the world was too dull and unpolished to lure me in. The crafting system – while confusing – is unquestionably deep, which enabled me to build some cool things in an environment that offered no true variety or immersion.

Since 2009, Atlus has released many games and made strides in both storytelling as well as gameplay, and despite its many improvements, Strange Journey falls short of lofty standards Atlus has set for its modern games. Despite it certainly being the definitive version of the game to play, it leaves much to be desired under the shining banner of Shin Megami Tensei.

Swords of Ditto is a unique take on a tried and true formula. What it brings is interesting, even if it is a bit flawed. I really had a good time after coming to grips with its systems. I definitely recommend it to those who enjoy the Zelda loop. This game’s colorful world and charming aesthetic makeup for its shortcomings.

Raging Justice is a game that is defined by its screenshots. One look and I knew exactly what I was getting. I wish there was more, I wish it was more fun, but at the end of the day it just felt too limited by its inspirations to stand out and be memorable.

Big fans of the original who really want more Hundred Knight will likely enjoy this game, but don’t be surprised that it’s only more of the same. As for anyone who hasn’t tried the original, save some cash and pick up the original if a different take on the hack and slash genre seems interesting. Otherwise, I would say this game is simply too repetitive without enough enjoyable payoff to where I would say playing this over another title.

Omensight is a very enjoyable game. The combat is simple, yet thought out, the story is compelling and kept me playing, and the overall package is well done and really fun to see played out. There are a few little hiccups here and there, but I enjoyed this as much as Stories and can’t wait to see what Spearhead Games comes up with next. Any action adventure fan will have a great time with Omensight. I can’t suggest it enough.

Dragon’s Crown Pro is the definition of what a remaster should be. Cross save and crossplay with older versions is a great bonus, and the new orchestral score is incredible. This is a game a lot of people missed due to one reason or another. Don’t make that mistake again. This is one of the best beat ‘em up games in the last ten years. More than worth investing into.

Super Daryl Deluxe is difficult game to describe due to its strange narrative and mix-match of gameplay elements. It draws inspiration from many movies and games alike and while it certainly could have used a lot more polish, it’s a worthy effort and a promising start to a brand new indie development team.

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.

City of Brass has a great theme and aesthetic, but falls victim to the same issues most roguelikes have. I feel like a broken record every time I review one saying this would have been a better traditional game as opposed to a run-based one. Still, there are neat ideas and the theme of it is hard not to love.

There is quality here – the gameplay and strategy are genuinely sound, the campaign is worth the investment, and the universe is rich and compelling. This is a flawed title, but BattleTech’s nuanced tactical depth and engaging system of progression will ultimately sustain it over the long haul.

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.

Masters of Anima is a frustrating game. The mechanics seem to work against the player creating more chore and less fun. With some tweaks this game could be a sleeper hit for sure. As it stands though it ends up being more of a hard pass.

Guns of Icarus: Alliance is one of those games that has some great ideas and thought out implementation, but with some aspects of the performance and execution, it starts to hit some rough patches after a while. Finding a crew that works well together and does the right jobs at the right time can most certainly make this game stand out with some fantastic moments.

Truly, I think the good folks at Deep Silver are a talented bunch, capable of making great games. Seeing them relegated to porting a mediocre game from the mobile devices instead of creating a new title that would better showcase their talent as well as the strength of the platform is a shame indeed. If you’ve been waiting for a quality game to fill that void until Star Fox makes a return on the Switch, you best keep waiting.

Owlboy is a wonderful adventure that hits the right notes. Dropping in at the sweet spot of ten hours this game delivers on almost everything it sets up. The mechanics feel fantastic, the bosses are genuinely fun to take down, and the characters are wonderfully fleshed out. This is one game that borrows from other genres and does it right. It is hard to stand out in a sea of me-too games, but Owlboy manages to do it in spades.

Dead in Vinland is a survival game I really appreciated, and I will dive into it again. My only wish is that the developers had a randomization option that focused strictly on how long I can survive rather than focusing on a story as well as the campaign, but for what it is, Dead in Vinland is a great survival management game for those who panic at seeing hunger meters rapidly increase in real time.

Regalia: Of Men and Monarchs is a game that tries to do it all. It has influences of Persona, Disgaea, Atelier, and Final Fantasy Tactics all wrapped into one. While it does have some missteps, overall this is a solid game that can really take a player by surprise at just how big it really can be. Tactical RPG players and story driven RPG players will have a great time with Regalia, and even with its faults, I still recommend it to anyone that enjoys a complex RPG.

Ultimately, I like the concept of Detective Pikachu and will likely see the movie when it releases, but hopefully the developers choose to challenge their audience a bit more with any potential sequel.

Hellblade is an amazing achievement in game design. It is something I think everyone should play. Again, I cannot stress enough to do it with headphones on and immerse yourself into its world. It is games like this that really showcase what talented developers can achieve. It is also worth mentioning that proceeds from the Xbox One sales are going to mental health research, so yeah, buy this amazing title already.

Extinction is a game that feels like a novel idea that didn’t get fully fleshed out. I wanted to love it, but the repetition really drags it down. At a lower price or with a little more variety to the encounters this game could have been something special. As it stands though it is nigh impossible to recommend it.

Minit is a delight that never wanted to waste my time. It made almost every second I spent with it feel like I was accomplishing something, and even when I didn’t, the time limit placed upon me meant I wasn’t wasting all day on nothing. The characters were extremely charming and dare I say adorable. The soundtrack I would call wonderful if you enjoy chiptune with the perfect mix of ambient sounds. Puzzles were fun and sometimes fairly obtuse yet never unfair.

The Adventure Pals may look like a thousand other games just like it, but it stands out among the crowd. It is fun, whimsical, and just a joy to play solo or with a friend. For those that enjoy the genre it is a must own. Add that to the fact that it is available on absolutely everything and there is no reason to let this game pass by.

God of War is, simply put, the best PS4 game I have played in the console’s lifecycle. I can’t stop thinking about its world and characters. I had so much fun exploring it and taking on its combat. I wanted more, and the game delivers. After having hesitations about the direction I thought the game was going, I am thrilled to report that all of my concerns were nullified within the first hour of the game. This is the true evolution of the series, and quite possibly the best game of the year. Well at least so far.

Rogue is a title that released at a terrible time and on consoles that a lot of people had already put in storage. It is nice to see this game get a second chance. It is a great entry in the series, and one that takes the story in places it had never gone. Mix it with the addictive sailing of Black Flag and I definitely recommend it to fans of the series. Don’t sleep on this title. It is definitely worth checking out.