While the improvements to the farm are nice and the plethora of new equipment, animals, visuals, and other additions go a long way to making Farm Simulator 17 the best, it’s also still resting on the same foundation.

Yes, it still does retread a lot of what the series has always been known for, and can comes across feeling as more of the same. This doesn’t matter though, Fatal Frame has been the top tier of ghostly survival horror adventures, and Maiden of Black Water proves you can’t keep a good franchise dead, even when that’s what its entire premise is about.

If you're up for being engaged, however, The Incident provides more than meets the eye. Why is The Incident happening? Is there any significance to any of this stuff falling from the sky? Did Frank do something wrong, or is this happening to everyone? We may never find answers to these questions, but investigating and speculating is half the fun.

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

There's a ton of stuff to unlock, and gamers who are looking for an extra challenge can play on Hell mode (where Prinny dies after only 1 hit). The humor and charm of the game is enough to make even the most jaded of gamers crack a smile.

I have always been super critical of the Infinity series, mostly because I want to love it. The characters are among the best in the genre, and it fills my childhood dreams of playing with my favorite toys. 3.0 finally hits all the right notes, and fixes most of my complaints with the previous entries.

It's easy to see how Zenonia 2 has been trapped by the success of its predecessor. Much like a Zelda game, it's guaranteed to be the same experience, dated faults and all. Zenonia 2 stays true to that old school philosophy, delivering almost exactly the same game, with a handful of tweaks.

Under the Island succeeds because it understands exactly what it wants to be. It focuses on building a world that feels worth exploring and lets the player discover it at their own pace. It is confident in its identity, and that confidence shows in almost every part of the experience. The game itself feels like a love letter to RPGs of the 90’s. Under the Island isn’t trying to redefine the genre. It’s just trying to make a memorable experience and in that I think it mostly succeeds.

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

Gato Roboto is a great game that is designed well. I just wish there was more. This better not be the last we see of Kiki. I could definitely have spent another three or more hours in the world of this Gato Roboto. I hope if a sequel comes around we get to see some different mech types and some more power ups, but for $8 I have to recommend this game. It’s bite-sized Metroid and that is the highest of compliments I can give.

Kingdom Hearts III is a great game. Sure I had my issues with it, but the overall package is jam packed with things to do, a fun story, and a flashy and deep combat system all wrapped around a fun RPG. Fans of the series have nothing to fear here, and even newcomers can jump in and enjoy their time with it without having too much of a problem following the story, and even if the story is not your thing, the combat will keep action fans and RPG players entertained throughout. This is the best Kingdom Hearts game to date.

Fantasia: Music Evolved is a surprisingly fun game that works incredibly well with Kinect. The game play is fun and offers up a fresh new style to the rhythm game genre.

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

Despite the flaws with its pacing, Metroid: Samus Returns feels like true classic reborn- with all the polish expected of a modern release and stands proudly among the other fantastic 2D entries to the series.

There is a lot in this $15 game, and fans of action RPGs should really take a look at it. I highly suggest it.

Man of Medan shows a lot of promise for The Dark Pictures Anthology. I never thought it was too difficult, and the scares really did get me a few times as well as my friends. Some may say it is too short, but I think it was the perfect length for the story and the great thing is, we’re getting a new story and game in less than a year. Fans of horror and adventure games will have a blast here. Any fan of Until Dawn should not worry, this one lives up to the hype.

Project X Zone 2 is a deeper, more satisfying experience as it is greatly improved from the original in every single way. It’s a shrine to a great cast of characters we’ve grown fond of over the years, carefully crafted by people who love these characters just as much as we do.

Gust’s first foray on the PS4 with their flagship Atelier title is a rousing success, and even though I lament the removal of the time limit mechanic from the series, it still proves one of the strongest entries the franchise has had to date, and one of the best RPGs available on the PS4.

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.

Rocket League lives up to the hype surrounding it. For Xbox One players who have been envious of PS4 and PC players, your moment is here. Everything works even when it shouldn’t, and the game provides hours of entertainment. Solo it is fun, with friends it is a blast. This is not a title to miss.

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.

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

The Darksiders universe has always been an intriguing one, filled with larger-than-life characters, a deep, if not slightly confusing storyline and a glorious aesthetic that seems to come straight off of a 70’s prog-metal album cover. Genesis may position itself as merely a side story; just a small alternative look at one part of this universe. But it is so much more than that. It offers a more personal story and one that may seem insignificant at first, but has wider implications to the story as a whole. Tied to that is gameplay that is both fun and chaotic in equal measure and offers replay value to those who want to go back again and again.

This is the exact type of game Microsoft should be pushing for the Kinect. If you've got one, it's absolutely worth the 800msp price of admission.

Even using the more simplified combat system the game is a blast to play and ultimately tells a really compelling story all in a beautifully done in Japanese anime style.

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.

Toy Story 3 is a marvelous achievement in the world of licensed family games. I found myself more addicted to it than some of the more mainstream titles released lately. It appeals to anyone who enjoys solid gameplay, and especially those that have a love for Pixar's trilogy.

Deathtrap has the workings of a tower defense game, with the complexity and depth of a hardcore RPG.

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.

Coming kind of out of nowhere, A Hat in Time should be played by anyone who enjoyed 3D platformers like Mario 64. If you enjoyed Mario 64, you’re going to enjoy this. It is a nice homage to the king of platformers and one that I highly recommend checking out. There’s a lot to see and do here, and the platforming is well done with level design being thought out and intricate. I really enjoyed my time with it and any platforming fan will too.

Fans of Zelda and musou games, this is a no-brainer, but for anyone else on the fence, it is definitely a game worth checking out.

Skylanders SWAP Force is at the cusp of feeling like series fatigue, but is also the best in the series to date. Even if you might be feeling a little burnt out on the genre, it only took one level before I was sucked back in. Once again I am lost in the world of Skylanders, and it remains the toy-to-game series to beat.

A must buy for PSP owners hungry for an original RPG. Original design, no load times, Okada, and Atlus should be enough to make any RPG nut giddy with joy.

Overall, 2K10 retains its crown as the best pro basketball game on the market, albeit just barely.

This year's game is probably not the most innovative when it comes to features, but the addition of True-Aim and the Ryder Cup more than justify shelling out the dough once again.

Funny enough Vanquish seems to be a better game after all these years. The cover-based combat just feels so much better now than I remember it. Not sure if that has to do with the rock-solid frame rate or just the passing time, but this game is sublime. Pulling off stylish actions feels natural. The sliding mechanic just works, and makes combat more fun than most cover shooters. This is a game that has stood the test of time and somehow works better today than it did ten years ago.

A fantastic choice for casual and hardcore baseball fans of all ages. It makes a great companion to the realism heavy baseball games on the market, and Success and MLB Life mode would both be worth the price of admission on their own.

One of the best shooters available on XBLA, by far.

Overall Olija is a good game. I just wish it was longer. I finished a fair portion of the game in around 5 hours and I can’t imagine I would have spent much longer had I decided to get all the collectibles. However, I think $15 is the perfect price for Olija; I much rather have a short good game than a long mediocre one and being left wanting more is a much better problem to have than never wanting to touch a game again. Just know that Olija is a concise but strong experience and a great way to start off 2021.

What I was wondering was answered in episode two, and was well done enough and has me wanting to see what will happen in the next episode.

Hyper Light Drifter is a sensory overload from a visual and audio standpoint.

Despite the hardware limitations and a handful of odd design choices, Astral Chain is one of the best new IPs to hit in recent years and one deserving the attention of every Switch owner.

Capcom Fighting Collection is a wonderful package with some truly great features and only a couple missed opportunities. It feels great to see Darkstalkers once again getting some air time, I just wish we would get a new game after nearly 30 years. The series was one of the best Capcom ever put out, and it shows with how many times that Morrigan sprite has been recycled. It is also cool to see rare games like Cyberbots and Red Earth discussed again. This collection is easy to recommend and I hope Capcom continues to recognize their legacy games going forward.

The unlockables and amazing force powers offer plenty of replay value, and the story is top notch. Anyone who calls themselves a Star Wars fan needs to experience this game, if only for the narrative which really adds a lot to the main canon.

All in all, Mario and Luigi: Paper Jam is still a fun RPG that fans of the previous game will enjoy.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

For those that don’t already own the game, this is without a doubt the best package available, but I have to imagine that audience is significantly small. It also lacks enough new to warrant double-dipping for those that already own the game on another platform.

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.

Disc Room is an addictive title that lends itself to short bursts of play. On its surface it’s a very basic title, but in reality it plays with its formula in such fun ways that make it more than just dodging discs. Anyone on the fence like I was should try out the demo, which is a great taste for what the game offers, because I don’t think I’m doing this game justice. Neither does all the promotion Devolver has done for this game. Disc Room is something different, and I like it.

It is always hard to review these incremental sports releases because they mostly spend their time tweaking things the fans are going to appreciate. NHL 12 continues that trend, and remains the best hockey game on the market, by far.

The game prides itself on simplistic controls and a focus on skating rather than performing inane tasks and worrying too much about a tacked-on narrative. Skate 2 continues to up the ante for genre forcing Activision to really step up for the next chapter of Tony Hawk.

Fans of the series will no doubt hate the lack of traditional modes from previous games and consider it a crime that Crash Mode was omitted altogether. However, everything about Paradise screams quality and in turn delivers one of the best driving games released in quite a while.

Hitman 2 is not leaps and bounds better or even different than its predecessor, as it feels less like a sequel and more like the second season. However, it manages to hit the mark where it truly matters with expansive level designs and a wealth of gameplay options that makes playing through the same missions multiple times consistently fun but feel different every time.

It’s a testament to the series brand as a whole to make an otherwise solid title feel disappointing, but I’ve come to expect more and I hope they find the right path through the dark in the next sequel.

I have found myself playing this a lot more than the Halo 3 beta, which a lot of my friends are angry about but Shadowrun is very addictive.

I cannot recommend this game enough. I loved Kaze and the Wild Masks, and hope it finds the audience it deserves so we might get more games from this team. It really ticked all the boxes I would expect from a game inspired by the mascot platformers I grew up with. It also helps that the game is coming to every platform imaginable. Do not hesitate if you love titles like Donkey Kong Country or even have the most minute nostalgia for that plethora of mascot platformers from the mid -to-late 90s. This game hits all those notes while injecting its own flavor to the cause.

This year's game is probably not the most innovative when it comes to features, but the addition of True-Aim and the Ryder Cup more than justify shelling out the dough once again.

Gimmick! 2 is a fantastic follow-up to a classic video game a lot of people likely have never had the pleasure of playing. I love that it has returned and is now available for just about anyone to experience. Yes, it is hard, but that is what makes it special. The game never punishes its players and instead encourages trying again with excellent checkpoints. I do wish the original was included in this package just so I could revisit it, but otherwise this is a fantastic sequel to one of the most unique platformers of all time.

It may be a little short, but for $15 players get a great story to add onto The Last of Us, and those looking for another reason to jump back into the game have just found it.

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.

For fans of the series, you will not be disappointed. Almost every character you have known in the trilogy will return, and the new characters you come across are as goofy and loveable as the older ones. For new comers, I would suggest playing the first two games, but Meruru does offer some good back story in the menus for the ones not too familiar with the series.

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

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.

I just think by making the game simpler, they have created a fun playing game, but not a very deep one.

If you’re looking for something a little different, and don’t mind a bit of repetition, give Heavy Bullets a shot. Just remember to pick up your bullets after firing.

Problems aside though Blacksad: Under the Skin is an interesting tale of murder and corruption that presents in one of the best takes on the adventure game formula-multiple endings, choices that really matter, and a cast of characters that are extremely engaging. I never felt like the story was coming out of left field with its ideas, and was shocked when I started figuring out what was happening. I love this game and if the Life Is Strange or one of the many Telltale series has ever been enjoyable, I think there’s a lot of enjoy in Blacksad.

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.

Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider stands out among the pack of games looking to capture that 16-bit nostalgia. It is not just an art style. There are so many pieces that go into making a modern retro game and JoyMasher continues to prove they are better at it than most. I highly recommend this game and don’t let it slip through the cracks. It is definitely one of the better ones available.

I just think by making the game simpler, they have created a fun playing game, but not a very deep one.

The game still has that frantic feel that the main game had, and the lighting is still some of the most amazing effects I have seen in a game, especially during the lockdown parts when everything goes dark and only your flashlight and gunfire light up the surrounding area.

Obviously, I would highly suggest this game, but only if you have played the other games in the series. As a single game, and as a whole, this is a fantastic game series that I believe any fan of great puzzles and a good mystery story will enjoy. I highly suggest it and now, everyone can enjoy these games on Xbox.

This game rocks, and should be picked up by sports fans, and baseball fans alike. It has just enough realism to keep the hardcore baseball fans entertained, but just enough arcadeness to keep us people that think baseball is boring coming back for more.

With a massive selection of classic titles and wireless multi-player Extended Play is more than worth the $30 price tag.

Toy Story 3 is a marvelous achievement in the world of licensed family games. I found myself more addicted to it than some of the more mainstream titles released lately. It appeals to anyone who enjoys solid gameplay, and especially those that have a love for Pixar's trilogy.

While personally I think the future looks grim for this one only because multiplayer audiences are so fickle, Crash Team Rumble is a blast and if you have some fond memories of the old games, you’ll enjoy this one quite a bit…while it lasts.

Series veterans who are itching for more puzzles and anyone new to the genre will have plenty here to enjoy.

It's a little disappointing that, like the last DLC, this one doesn't raise the level cap for players, but if you enjoyed Borderlands 2 and you're looking for more of it, it's a great pickup.

Crash Bandicoot 4 is a game that has been a long-time coming. Toys for Bob have really captured what made the original games special, while also modernizing it and delivering their own stamp on the franchise. Fans of the original finally get the sequel they deserved, and it feels good to live in this renaissance of PSOne-era games making a comeback. I hope Crash continues to live on and we don’t have to wait as long for Crash 5.

While respectful to the source material and even showing us characters that have been referenced in the books such as Headmaster Black; Hogwarts Legacy uses its place in the past to great effect. Laying the groundwork for the Hogwarts that we know and love, it was great seeing the genesis of some of the more common things in the wizarding world. But the games presentation of its choices; in making them seem dire and dare I say ‘world shattering’ only to then have them add up to a big fat pile of nothing in the post-narrative game is just a cop out that sucks. But hopefully we can see this wrong righted as well as some Qudditch in a sequel, that is if JK Rowling can manage not to have the brand erased from existence.

It has some big difficulty spikes, but overall Guacamelee is still a very fun time.

It may be a bit overly simplistic at times when traditional Zelda fans come into it, and the single player can be a bit boring with micromanaging each Link, but if players can find some friends to play either online or locally, there’s some great fun to be had, especially if you allow the crafting bug to bite you.

Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja: Storm 2 is proof as to how far we have come when it comes to creating worlds of gaming. Even if you're not verse in the ways of the ninja, but still enjoy Japanese animation, this game will amaze you.

Gradius Origins is a phenomenal package that has just about everything you could want from one of these. The games included are incredible, they created a new entry just for the collection, and the additions and inclusions are simply amazing. I had a great time just digging through all the stuff, the only way it could be better is having a documentary built in, sort of like what Digital Eclipse does with their Gold series. This is as close to that standard as far as these collections go. Now I want Konami to do Contra and Castlevania like this one. Definitely recommended if you have any affinity for the series or genre.

It has everything a shooter fan could want as well as a genuinely creepy single-player that simply must be experienced. If you are in the market for a great shooter or just an overall fun experience you can't go wrong with F.E.A.R.

While Trails Through Daybreak II’s story doesn’t reach the heights of the previous entries, the expanded combat, re-introduction of side activities and a fun playground to test the might of the best teams I could muster made for a very enjoyable time all the same.

The combat system, amazing fan service and thought out presentation make this arena fighting game something both Naruto fans and fighting game entusiasts will highly enjoy.

2K10 retains its crown as the best pro basketball game on the market, albeit just barely.

Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja: Storm 2 is proof as to how far we have come when it comes to creating worlds of gaming. Even if you're not verse in the ways of the ninja, but still enjoy Japanese animation, this game will amaze you.

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

I had no problem getting into an online race with three others, and I suffered absolutely no lag. SkyDrift strikes me as the perfect game for speedfreaks and those looking for a good trashtalking experience with friends.

Nikoderiko: The Magical World is such a surprise. It borrows heavily from its contemporaries, but adds enough to make it feel like more than just a clone. You can tell the developers knew what they wanted to achieve and simply nailed it. I will be paying close attention to their next game for sure. Anyone who enjoys titles like Donkey Kong Country or Crash Bandicoot owes it to themselves to check this out. The price is friendly, and the execution is outstanding. One of the better new platformers I have played in a while.

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.

When all is said and done, Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare is just a delightful game, and a ton of fun to play with friends.

Enemy Unknown is more than a worthy successor, and will definitely appease fans of the genre while roping in a few newcomers for sure. If you enjoy this type of game, I cannot recommend it enough. It takes the series, and genre to new levels, and sets an entirely new bar for quality.