It is fun, addictive and will take you hours and hours to finish.

For fans, there is no question to pick this one up, as it gives you three to four hours of fun and traditional Telltale gameplay.

It isn't full of guns, aliens or even tons of gore and it certainly doesn't have the marketing muscle of some of the other games currently occupying store shelves, but it does have one thing most of them lack: character. The relationship between Elika and the Prince is easily the best duo found in a game yet and the developers have done an outstanding job of forcing you to care for Elika more than even yourself.

It has the old school feel that made it a classic, but some of what was left in feels a bit too old for a modern take. The pacing is the biggest issue here, and I would say players wanting to understand the game going in need to realize it takes a good 12-15 hours before this game even begins to start, but if you can hold out until it actually begins, you looking at a decently structured, thought out, and fun JRPG. If you’re looking for a more instant gratification game, you may want to look elsewhere.

Hellblade II: Senua’s Sacrifice is an amazing achievement visually. The performances are second-to-none and the music is just as impressive as the visuals. For anyone that loved the original and knows what to expect going in, this will be a treat on so many levels.

Trine 5 has no reason to exist. I was shocked when the series progressed past the third entry. Still, I get excited whenever a new entry drops. I find the ten-hour campaigns a blast to play solo and even more enjoyable when friends are added to the mix. This is just a game that knows what it is and rarely tries to be anything else. I think they should dial back progression and combat and focus more on the puzzle solving mechanics as they are clearly the highlight of these games every single time. Definitely recommend this one, it was a blast to play in between so many serious open world games.

The Book of Unwritten Tales 2 is easily one of the best point-and-click adventure games I have played in recent years.

Gears Tactics is a fantastic game. The XCOM fans will have a ball with it and maybe even some Gears fans will get into the strategy genre. Who knows? Either way, Splash Damage has created a fine tactical game that fans will enjoy and have a great time with, while not sacrificing the skill wall and difficulty. It is a game I wholeheartedly recommend.

It is a surprisingly competent shooter that breaks the mold, both stylistically and thematically from other titles in the genre. The added single player components and all around improvements make this a worthy sequel that no one should miss.

The small tweaks and new running game continue to improve upon the already outstanding foundation, but I can’t help but feel like the developers are being held back by older hardware more and more. Still if you don’t plan on buying new consoles, there is no good reason not to pick up the latest Madden NFL title. It is a solid outing that will deliver multiple seasons of fun.

Disgaea 5 could have easily been one of the best games in the series if it wasn’t for the missteps in the post-game content, but even with those faults, the solid SRPG foundation along with a few exciting new tweaks/additions makes it a worthwhile experience all the same.

While Like a Dragon: Ishin! Might not be the strongest entry in this venerable franchise, its emphasis on weapon combat and an interesting take on historical characters and events makes it one worth experiencing all the same.

One of the best remasters [of] this generation. Not only is this game fantastic, but it is also one of several hidden gems a lot of gamers may have missed its first time around. Also at the super cheap price of $19.99 it is impossible for me not to recommend. Go get this game now, and hope with me that the third game finally comes. It is time for the next Horseman to appear.

I loved my time in Sandrock, it genuinely feels innovative within the farming/cozy games that have come out lately. As I said it My Time at Sandrock offers a ton of content for players to tackle, even though it can be overwhelming at times. The PC version also allows players to play the game co-op, at the time of this writing its not planned to come to the other platforms but that may change. The colorful art style, desert setting and memorable characters make for a fantastic adventure that players of the genre shouldn’t skip.

I really enjoyed my time with Dragon Quest 7: Reimagined. Even as a hardened DQ veteran I appreciated the streamlined changes that were made to bring the game’s substantial run-time down a notch. I completed the game with about 47 hours on the clock and polished off the post-game content at about 57 hours. I’ve got 1 achievement to go (find all items) but the in-game checklist for that one isn’t great, so it will likely wait until someone produces a guide. That feels to me like the right length of time for this game. Long enough that you feel like you’re getting a full experience, but not so long that it overstays it’s welcome. That said, if you’re a veteran of the franchise, I would definitely consider adjusting some of the difficulty settings. If I hadn’t been playing for review, I certainly would have bumped a couple of them up a notch. I can see where some folks who love the original might be disappointed in the changes (especially the cut content) but I think this version serves the story of the game well and will undoubtedly allow for more players to enjoy both the game and the series.

Fire Emblem: Engage falters as a follow up to what I consider to be the best the series has to offer thus far. However, despite its failings with its lackluster story and characters, the deep customization and enjoyable combat makes it one well worth experiencing anyway.

Despite some standout visuals though there’s nothing here that feels like a leap forward in gaming, and I can’t imagine the core game feeling much different had I played a last-gen version. It doesn’t tarnish the experience, but players looking for a reason to need a new console still don’t have one.

Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon is a big departure from the mainline Bayonetta games usual formula. Instead of leaning on fast paced combat, scantily clad lead, a loud soundtrack and a story with a lot of killing and revenge. Instead, this is a family-friendly story, one that is told like a grand storybook and even has themes of love and friendship throughout. Quite the change of pace for our Umbra witch but quite the welcome one if you have your eyes open as to the type of game this really is; Cereza and the Lost Demon is a delightful adventure that thoroughly surprised me.

Easily the best flight-sim available on next-gen systems, not to mention the best the series has ever had to offer. Picture perfect controls and lush visuals make this a package that fans of the series will not want to miss.

WRC 10 is a game where fans will notice the tweaks and additions, while casual fans will ask why upgrade? This is common among games that focus on specific sports and genres. There is enough here though for diehards to consider upgrading. I am not thrilled that some of the interesting content is locked behind DLC, but even with that hangup the tweaks and additions make this version a worthy successor. This entry won’t change anyone’s opinion of the realistic rally genre, but for those that enjoy it, there are few better options on the market.

LEGO Marvel Super Heroes is aptly named and nothing revolutionary, but still a heck of a lot of fun.

Alan Wake remastered is something I have always wanted to exist as the original was highly under looked when it came out. It was tied to one console and frankly Remedy was not quite the household name it is today. It is one of their best games and worth checking out whether you played the original or not. It still carries plenty of jank and questionable design mechanics from that era, but the story and characters excel it past most of its own issues. This is one experience that is worth revisiting or experiencing for the first time.

This “late-to-the-party” edition is chock full of enough extra content to make the wait worthwhile, and if you have already seen all Bullworth has to offer on the PS2 there is enough here to at least warrant a rental.

Fans of 4X gaming cannot really go wrong here. Endless Space 2 is a well-crafted game, that is expansive in all the right places, precise where it needs to be, complicated in an engaging way and truthfully, wonderful to look at. It’s also, after a bit of a time-investment (the tutorial is well-structured in this regard), pretty welcoming to any curious passers-by. Endless Space 2 has that special, addictive, one-more-turn quality about it. There is real style here, and a hell of a lot of substance to back it up.

For the most part, version 2 is as good as version 1.

Visually the game is a complete mixed bag.

It's done well, is particularly playful and features vibrant pixel art.

A very solid game, with some excellent features, and a badass main character. For your hard earned sixty bucks you can't ask for a bigger package, two full games and multiplayer. I just hope that the sales from this game inspires them to complete The Chronicles of Riddick movie trilogy, because after seeing another side of this character in these games you will want to see more of him.

Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 is a solid sequel that is worth checking out for Skill Battle alone. For those that skipped the first game it is a must, for anyone who has exhausted it, it might be wise to give it time to go on sale. Either way the game is a blast and one of the premiere puzzle games currently available. It helps that it is available on everything, so no matter where you play, there is a cute quirky puzzler you can enjoy.

Overall, The Shady Part of Me was a good time. There were times I didn’t know what was going on in the story, but the simple feel of its mechanics while still keeping the complexity of the puzzles really kept me going. Its a really interesting game that I think puzzle platforming fans should try, and with its rewind feature and the bit-sized progression aspects, it makes the entire thing an enjoyable time all the way though.

Despite its few shortcomings, Fate/Samurai Remnant is a great addition to the Fate media empire that can be enjoyed by hardcore Fate fans and newcomers alike.

This final episode does some really interesting things, wraps up everything in an emotional way, and leaves me thinking about it even hours after seeing the final scene. If you haven’t played through this game yet, do yourself a favor and do it. Hopefully, you’ll feel the way I have throughout this adventure.

Episodic games are always a gamble, as the full product can change and alter from the time players get the first episode done to the finale. King’s Quest started off very strong, but left me with a sour taste in chapter 2. Chapter 3 has completely washed that taste out of my mouth.

The addition of Superstar mode alone makes Madden a worthy purchase for fans of the series and the online component really seals the deal. If EA can fix the lag and perhaps give next-gen gamers all the same features that their older console brethren have we will certainly be in for a treat.

Even with a severe lack of extras this package is a must own for fans of classic shooter action. MS Anthology is a perfect example of a forgotten truth about gaming that this medium is intended to be fun and nothing else.

Forget about 1,2 Switch; Snipperclips is the perfect way to show off the multiplayer aspect of the Switch. Whether you want to team up to solve puzzles or throw down in a papercut match to the death, this game is an absolute hoot; and all at an extremely reasonable price tag.

The presentation promises much and is highly polished but it lies at the surface, working to conceal the more problematic aspects of the actual game itself.

The biggest compliment I can give is that since the Scott Pilgrim vs. The World game was delisted there has been cries for it to be put back on digital storefronts, and while that has not happened, this is an amazing replacement. It’s not necessarily what I want from a River City game, but it is definitely the direction I want to see beat ‘em ups go in. I would recommend this to anyone who has a friend to play with, but if not I would say boot up the 3DS and give the other River City games a shot (there’s three relatively new games on there). I hope WayForward gets to follow this game up so they can tweak their gameplay a bit and explore their take on the world of River City a bit more.

F.I.S.T.: Forged in Shadow Torch is one of the worst names for a game ever. Still the exploration is second-to-none. I wish the combat was more fluid or the enemy encounters tweaked a bit better. I feel like most people will quickly fall off once the difficulty ramps up. It is not hard due to challenge, but more because of functionality and that sucks. It tarnishes an otherwise incredible experience that could have easily been the next huge series in the genre. Still if you can muster through the challenge this is an experience worth taking.

The game has been honed to near perfection since its inception on the next generation consoles, and this new version is by far the best entry yet.

Sure, it doesn't change the mold with endless features, but it refines what has become one of the best new experiences of this generation. If you are invested in these characters, prepare for an awesome ride as you close out the Ezio, Altair and Desmond chapters of this series.

Osmos is very capable of putting you in a trance like state with its hypnotic music, visuals, and it's addictive gameplay. The best compliment I can give this game is that I play it 6 or 7 times a day because it works so well as either something bite size to play right before I go to sleep, or something I can easily just drop an afternoon in, without the pressure or frustration that accompanies the other titles that I routinely play.

Despite some pacing issues and repetitive level design, Ys IX: MonstrumNox is a worthwhile journey for Adol that pushes the series forward in the right direction by introducing a plethora of new gameplay elements that I hope to see expanded even further in the next adventure.

The additions to the PS3 version of Eternal Sonata add some length and substance to an already satisfying game. A tempting and beautiful dream world, the game design is truly captivating.

Street Fighter Alpha Max 3 isn’t going to win any awards for innovation, but what it will do is bring back some great memories and remind gamers that it isn’t all about bump mapping and resolutions anymore.

This is an incredibly well built game, made with care, love and a whole lot of talent, making it definitely the pick of the launch titles. The game does enough things different to keep you interested, but still feels like an Uncharted game should and much like the God of War games on the PSP.

For the most part, Kiwami is a good retelling of the very first game and arguably has the best story out of the entire series. The visual upgrades are nice, and the addition to the modern combat engine is most certainly welcome, but original fans as well as people who jumped into the series later on need to keep in mind this is a remake of a 2005 game that didn’t have as much content as the later entries. Still, I have to recommend this game to both fans of the series as well as people wanting to get into it. It’s a fantastic jumping in point for the story, and while the boss fights are annoying, it tells a fun tale while still being very entertaining gameplay wise, and at the price point of 30 bucks, you really can’t go wrong.

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.

The game’s writing is one of the big highlights. The tutorial sections are hilarious, as is the dialog between characters. Rex is constantly spouting insanely cheesy dialog, and it all works really well.

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.

The Shift mechanic is definitely something that changes the game.

Sine Mora EX is a port of game no one played that will likely not get played again. The genre is niche and the timing was bad. However, for those that do pick it up you are in for a treat. This is truly one of the finest shooters of the last two generations. I would love to see a follow-up next time though. This generation of remasters is starting to get out of hand.

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.

In my opinion, there are only a handful of games that can be categorised as a system seller for Sony’s headset; something that would make it worthwhile laying down the cost of VR. Games like Beat Saber and Astro Bot have proven themselves at making VR work in its own right, and now you can add Blood & Truth to that list. And if you already own a PSVR you would be doing yourself a disservice by not going out and picking this game up.

As the follow up to the worst game in this long running series, D7 had a lot of work cut out for it. Thankfully, the team at NIS was up to the task and addressed most of the issues, putting together a welcome package to remind me why I loved the series in the first place. While there are still some improvements to be made, I’m more than happy to report this is certainly a much needed course correction for the series at large.

Space Invaders Extreme is a great reboot for fans of the old version, and a great place for new players to experience the classic gameplay.

BoxBoxBoy is charming, easy to get into, and quality over quantity. It’s not the longest game, nor the hardest game, but it has a heart and should have a spot in most player’s digital library.

Trine 4 really brings the series back to its roots. It was great jumping back in feeling like I never missed a beat. I knew when to conjure boxes and the physics for the puzzle work just like you expect them to. It reminds me of a 2D Breath of the Wild even though Frozenbyte really paved the way for this type of game years before. It has just been a long time since we got a traditional Trine. I still want to forget the third game ever happened. Trine 4 is the proper sequel to the series and really reinvigorates my love for it. I still highly recommend playing with friends though as that is where it truly stands out.

At the end of the day LEGO Lord of the Rings is exactly what you would expect. Whether or not it is something you want is entirely based on your love for the two properties. LEGO games are not going anywhere. They are well made, cover fantastic franchises and, admit it; we all enjoy playing them from time to time. That said, if you enjoy the LotR series, you will undoubtedly love what TT Games has done here. It may not evolve the series, but it does enough to make fans of both franchises happy.

While I wouldn’t consider the game play to top the one present in the excellent EO 4, the addition of the Story Mode with some streamlining of the mapping process in the form of floor jumps makes this the most accessible, easily recommendable EO game release thus far.

Yes, it may well be a tech demonstration of MotionPlus, but on the upside somebody built a game around it for us to have some fun with, and to experience how much WMP really does improve on the original controls.

Assassin's Creed III rekindled my love for the series. The new setting and characters were a great welcome for me, and the story was well told through some great writing and voice acting. There are some complications here and there that can bog the player down, but for the most part, the amount of content you get in this game is a steal for the price. The PC version is by far the best way to go if you have the rig for it, and the options for the PC players are satisfying.

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.

A decently fun arcade shooter, much like Galaga or Space Invaders. It has a neat art style and plays really well. All for ten bucks too. If you’re feeling a little old school and want something that could last you around four to five hours, this is it. You’ll get your money’s worth out of it.

If you enjoy a terrifying game and are not prone to heart attacks, this $20 fright-fest is for you. Just be warned, it is not for the faint of heart.

Like nothing else I have played.

Controls are easy to learn, players look great, and the soundtrack is outstanding.

I honestly can't say enough good things about Disgaea 4. The game is a fantastic RPG that can be as deep as any other, yet as simple as the player wants it to be. You can easily sink 50 hours into the main story itself. It never gets too difficult, and with the visceral combat in place, there is always more than one way to take on a battle.

Oxenfree needs more polish on Xbox One to prevent the crashing, but otherwise it’s a wonderful hidden gem for me.

If you enjoyed the original game and are looking for a fighter on your new system, you can’t really go wrong here.

Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE isn’t just a side note in the Persona series; it is an evolution of it by taking many of the systems that people are familiar with, but enhancing them and making them more fun to use and develop. It is a master class in JRPG making, and one of the best games in the genre that I have play in a long time.

The combat is intoxicating, and the level of gore is definitely satisfying.

Awakening is definitely a nice companion for those that have exhausted the original game. There is plenty here to keep you occupied for at least 20 hours if you want to max everything out. Some may be a bit disappointed in the size by comparison, but for $40 this game is twice as long as most full-priced titles.

Windjammers 2 is a really great game. There’s a nice community of players still going strong online and this game could be a great controller passing time for local play. Sure, the tutorial is a bit rough, but just playing and experimenting with the game allowed me to get better and have a fun time with it. Anyone who is into arcadey sports titles and to a lesser extent, fighting games should give this one a try.

As far as Switch ports from the Wii U go, this is right up there with the best. Nintendo has done just enough to make it look and feel better than I remember on the Wii U. Also not unlike Mario Kart 8 they have included all the DLC, including the aforementioned Luigi add-on that is basically an entirely new game. There is a lot packed in here, and for those that never invested in the Wii U, it is more than worth the price of admission. It might not be the most memorable Mario game ever created, but it is still better than most platformers available on the console. Even when Nintendo doesn’t set the world on fire, they still manage to impress.

Torna ~ The Golden Country marks a wonderful send off to the world of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 with its cast of likeable characters, compelling narrative and a revamped combat engine that feels even better than the original. Having spent more than 150~ hours in the world of Alrest combined through the two titles, I can’t help but feeling that I still want more- a desire that serves as undeniable proof to the excellence of this series.

Overall Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is a good title that is marred by the expectations that the Modern Warfare name brings with it. The campaign has some really stellar gameplay moments that are brought down by the mediocre plot. Multiplayer was fun but felt a bit like the competition’s output (despite there being no Battlefield release this year) which may be a turn off for some. I don’t think Modern Warfare 2019 has done anything to make me rethink waiting for substantial price drops to play Call of Duty campaigns, because clearly multiplayer is still Activision’s main focus and that’s just not where I get my kicks.

NBA 2K23 is a fantastic package that is marred by a heavy reliance on microtransactions. Unless a player is going to spend hours and hours grinding out The City, the only way to find a modicum of success is to open your wallet and buy the virtual currency to boost your players and teams.

God of War: Ascension is a conundrum. The online is more than it should be, and the single player is well executed, but I couldn’t help but feel fatigue with the series set in from time to time.

With the power to rewind time and choose what happens it always comes with a price; it could be good or bad, but in the end it will always affect us. Life is Strange has shown that in a spectacular way, and I highly suggest it to anyone reading this review.

Buzz! Quiz TV is more than just a good quiz game. An abundance of questions, some DLC already available and online features combine to make a lasting product. Lighthearted and well-paced, trivia junkies and social gamers just won't find a better fix than Buzz! Quiz TV.

Unfortunately, Goodbye Deponia is an interesting game wrapped up in a rather frustrating point and click adventure.

I know I have been critical of the developer in the past, and while I, myself didn’t really vibe with their marketing techniques; at the end of the day developer Digital Cybercherries’ freshman offering is a joy to play with others. It can be rather difficult alone due to having to defend multiple towers, but with others, online or split-screen I cannot deny this is a fun game. Its not going to set the world on fire, but for a group of buddies on a weekend; this one will definitely make you smile.

Fans of Borderlands should pick this up, and people that jumped on the new console bandwagon and missed out on The Pre-Sequel now have a way to play it. Even if it has some issues here and there, it’s still fun. This package is a steal.

The final game in the series is the most refined. It also benefits from being the first game on Xbox One and PlayStation 4, so the fidelity is the best by far. The conclusion to the series continues to refine what makes it appealing. The fighting still feels great, if not a bit shallow. It was fun seeing the evolution of the franchise in one package. It is hard to argue the value here. I have always enjoyed the Ultimate Ninja Storm games even without knowledge of the source material. The fighting is fun and the stories are always over-the-top madness. This package delivers hours of fun and a solid look into the lore of Naruto.

NCAA Football 10 is no doubt the best college football game I have ever played. This year's outing still doesn't take the series to the next level like some were hoping it would (and it appears that Madden is doing), but it perfects the formula as much as possible.

As a Gundam fan I went into Gundam Breaker 4 really wanting to love it, and while I enjoyed parts of the game; ultimately it didn’t hit the spot for me. The story felt that it may have been aimed at a younger audience and the combat, as great as stomping around in a mobile suit is; it just became very repetitive. What Gundam Breaker 4 does extremely well though is offer an almost endless number of parts and suits to chase, build and customize. There is even a diorama that players can unlock where they can set up their own scenes featuring any suits they may have built. This is a game that clearly knows its audience, and if you are a gunplay fan then this is THE Gundam video game for you.

With such rich presentation the simple gameplay is more than engaging, it's addictive.

For series fans it’s a great opportunity to experience these games again, and genre fans like me who haven’t played them should definitely check them out.

I judged Dropsy thinking it was going to be a kid’s game with little no challenge, randomly hugging people, and grow tiring. Instead I got a really interesting yet odd and colorful world to explore, a huge smile on my face, and a game that ultimately made me happy to see Dropsy love so many.

While I appreciate 2K not cutting out anything, I do wish they have toned down these aggressive portions of the game. Still, even with these issues NBA 2K21 on Xbox Series X is mighty impressive. The game is a graphical showpiece and the amount of content is undeniable. If you skipped the previous gen versions, this is the one to get. Those that bought the upgrade version are going to be pleased. This is the most impressive sports game launch on a next-gen console in years, and more than worth the price of admission.

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.

Diablo 2 Resurrected is a masterpiece in its own right; it evokes a freshness all the while hitting players with an overwhelming sense of nostalgia. The sheer joy that is had when delving into dungeons to destroy the Lord of Terror and by extension is brothers (the expansion Lord of Destruction is included in this release with all of the classes/items and fixes that it brought back in the day. But players can play vanilla Diablo 2 but its not recommended for beginners) is indescribable. I am getting a giddiness just thinking about returning to the game, and not too many current video games can evoke that kind of feeling; and that’s where Diablo 2: Resurrected shines brightest.

It is a skateboarding fan's dream, with you being able to jump into the unique culture, and creating a team and a character that you can call your own.

Puppeteer is an odd game. There is no better way to put it, but it is also unique and charming in its presentation. I found the platforming and combat a bit rudimentary for my tastes, but I still couldn’t stop pressing forward to see what the next level looked like.

If they continue to deliver this caliber of game I really don’t think the fans will miss Core Design too much.

While it’s a bit disappointing to find that there are some key modes that are missing from the package, I hope that in the next iteration they’ll put out the complete package with everything that we expect from fighters released in the modern age.

It does a lot of great things and sets the template for future games. The foundation is great, and they just need to flesh out the modes in the future and fix the glitches that crop up. It feels good to have this series back, and I hope it serves as inspiration to improve Madden as well.