The main story only lasts about 10 hours, but it is 10 hours you will not soon forget.

This game just clicked with me and felt like the perfect marriage of stuff like Elder Scrolls and Mass Effect. Great story, great characters, and a world that is fun to explore with combat that never got old. I had a great time in the Living Lands, and I cannot wait to go back to a previous save and explore some more.

Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap is a fun, nostalgic romp that brings some of its legacy issues along for the ride. For those that can adapt to that, it is a great game. I am all for bringing back lesser-known titles, especially from consoles such as the Master System, as long as the same love and care is poured into them.

At the end of the day, I’m not here to judge the players or the market for this version of the game, I’m here to judge the actual game. From what I played, I can see a person picking this up and still having a fun time with it, but if I had the option to play it on another system or PC, I would choose to play it there. The resolution is an eyesore to say the least, but the gameplay is still smooth and works very well for the entire game. Take that as you will.

Octopath Traveler 0 is a curious game- as a sequel to Octopath 2, it’s more steps down than it is up but considering its origins as a mobile game, I’m very glad they decided to give it the single player game reimagining as the story is one well worth experiencing and the system of fielding all eight characters at once is something I’d like to see explored further in the true sequel.

Overall this is a fantastic title. I loved it from start to finish, the look, charm and old school fusion gameplay made this a welcome treat to the otherwise wasteland that is the summer release months.

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.

Those who really liked Dishonored and want to try it again on the new systems can have a decent time with the Definitive Edition. People who missed out get a complete package, but need to keep in mind that this game is not easy, and manually saving after each section will become a priority while playing.

Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond the Myth continues the proud tradition of the franchise with its stellar character customization and level designs as it poses a daunting challenge, well worth conquering- one tile at a time.

If you enjoy the genre and, like me, love a good Hong Kong action flick, this game is a must own. It does so many things better than most open world games; things we definitely take for granted. Sure it has some rough edges, but the overall experience is more than worth taking.

Lumines Supernova is easily the best iteration of the game to date. The amount of content here is simply outstanding. Unfortunately if you have been a fan of the series for a while a lot of it is going to feel a little too familiar.

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

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 really enjoyed my time with Company of Heroes 2 once I got over the initial learning curve. As I mentioned, this is not the case for players returning from the previous iteration, though they will likely find little in the way of true innovation outside of the new weather effects. Still, this is a solid RTS that showcases what the best developers in the business can do with the genre. If you are a fan, I definitely recommend giving this one a look.

The visuals are appealing, the controls are solid and the music is engaging.

The N.Sane Trilogy is the epitome of what is right with the gaming industry. Seeing Activision bring back a fan-favorite game, and giving it the proper work it deserves is awesome. The price of $40 for all three games is a bargain, and this isn’t just a quick and dirty port, Vicarious Visions really retained what made these games so special to us all those years ago. I really wish Crash Team Racing was included, but there is always hope it comes later down the line. Now about that Jak and Daxter remaster…

Taking Tower Defense to a playful and portable level, Ninjatown is more fun than a plateful of ninja cookies. The succinct levels make for great bite-sized portable portions of gameplay, and the ninja antics will have you gobbling it up.

A cut and paste version of MotoGP 3 for the Xbox and it shows that more often than not. Fans of the series will certainly find plenty to enjoy, but if you have already been down this road before there isn’t much here to solidify a purchase.

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

I would have to say I'm very impressed with the first piece of DLC Borderlands 2 has to offer. It constantly keeps you moving from one area to the next, and nothing ever gets monotonous.

The Evil Within did a fantastic job of bringing the true terror and stress of the genre back into light, and this first DLC pack offers up some new spin on the game itself.

I was impressed with my time with Mutant: Year Zero. It has the feel of a quality strategy game mixed with some good stealth and battle preparation. The characters are fun, and while the story is lacking, it kept me going. Players looking for that XCOM feel with the difficulty to go along with it will have a good time here. Casual fans of the genre need to heed my warning: this game is not going to be easy, but with planning and taking your time, it can be very satisfying.

This collection is a solid offering with a few setbacks. These can be patched in for sure – please let us remap buttons on all collections going forward. Still for those with nostalgia for the Belmont’s this collection is a must own for the price. It offers up a little of everything in the early history of the series. Now about that GBA collection of titles…

Foregone is a wonderful surprise in a crowded genre of gaming. There are a ton of other titles exactly like it, but this one just stands head and shoulders above the rest. I cannot recommend this game enough. It might tick all the usual boxes, but it ticks them extremely well. I haven’t had this much reverence for a game of this type in a long time. Do not sleep on Foregone.

Even with the little pathing issues, and text overlaps Mayhem Brawler is an absolute joy to play, wither in single player or in 3 player co-op. The eclectic cast of characters, the grungy yet colorful setting and the bass thumping, bad guy busting soundtrack really help to encapsulate that 90’s vibe the developers were going for, they have managed to not only make a solid side scrolling arcade game but they also delivered a fun and unique story at the same time.

TemTem is an extremely well-made monster collecting RPG that in my opinion does enough to differentiate it from the competition; even if just. My biggest issue with the game is the label it has for being an MMO, while it is always online, and you will see other human tamers running around the world and can interact with them; once the story is done and players have collected all the creatures there may not be much left to do outside of various events and tournaments. The developers have stated that they are not planning for any more creatures, or any other expansions; that just seems like an odd stance for an MMO which usually continue for years through more content. If you can get past that, there is an enjoyable story, mechanics and loads of activities and creatures to collect. While players may not be playing TemTem for the next 10 years, if Pokémon games are your jam, then TemTem will offer you a great experience for the foreseeable future.

Aliens: Dark Descent does a great job of mashing up tactical action and the tension and fear of its source material. Not without its pain points however such as the lip syncing during cutscenes, controller buttons not being recognized usually when in the heat of battle, and some other bugs and glitches. I commend these developers for taking so many different things and successfully putting them together to deliver a wonderful tactical strategy game, some more time gestating and this one would have been ready to really burst forth and do some real damage.

Aside from the repetitive enemies and locations, I enjoyed my time with Inkbound. It’s a different breed of rogue game, one that not only allows for layers upon layers of strategy with how players can approach each battle but the inclusion of 4 player co-cp makes for even greater strategizing with friends. With a whimsical graphical style and a great soundtrack to match, Inkbound can for sure be a fun game, if you are alright with fighting the same types of enemies again and again.

At the end of the day, Dynasty Warriors thrives when it comes to offering fanservice in the form of large-scale confrontations, and Visions of Four Heroes does that very well, be it through brutally dominating the battlefield alongside Dong Zhuo or by challenging the whole world alongside Lu Bu. It’s also refreshing to see a game in the series flesh out its characters this much, partly because it allows itself a different perspective, anchoring the player as a single protagonist rather than a whole faction, and the fact that the DLC chooses to focus even more on this specific aspect of storytelling is quite satisfying.

Clocking in at around twenty hours, there is little reason to play through a second time but as is the case with a great book, once picked up it’ll be difficult to put down and when this abearrant tale has finished bearing it all, you’ll put it down with a smile on your face.

In the end, Skylanders Giants feels like the right evolution for the series. There are enough tweaks and new content to get people back into the game, while the new figures only amount to 16 this time around (unless you really need to collect the new Series 2 ones) it makes it more manageable on your wallet.

Persona 4 Arena Ultimax is no doubt a great fighting game. It offers a decent story mode and a few extra bells and whistles. On top of that, a top notch netcode and this is a solid fighting game experience. Is it beginner friendly? I’m not so sure. Is it a must purchase for Persona fans? Possibly, but keep in mind, this is a complex fighting game that will require hours of devotion to get into completely.

Fans of Mega Man should definitely check it out, as the fan service and museum alone are worth the price of admission to hardcore enthusiasts. I am now awaiting the inevitable Mega Man X collection, or at least DLC adding 7-10 to this package.

Gravity Rush 2 feels as great to play as it looks. It’s a true fulfillment of a premise with tremendous potential that was previously hindered due to hardware limitations. It’s a massive improvement in every possible aspect from the original and makes a strong statement as my very first pick for a game of the year contender of 2017.

For anyone who has enjoyed the classic arcade-style baseball game in the past, the genre is finally back to its original, fantastic form. Do not hesitate to pick up Metalhead’s latest no matter which console you own.

Need for Speed: Rivals is one of the most impressive launch games for PS4. It is very pretty visually, and it has enough content to keep players busy for quite some time. There are some drawbacks to its design, but nothing that will derail the fun.

0D Beat Drop is a breath of fresh air in a genre that seems to continue to rest on its laurels. Sure it will not be for everyone, but it offers enough new ideas to make it worth your while.

All in all the Capcom Arcade Stadium is a lovely little package. Whether you are an old-timer like me who reminisces over their mis-spent youth, or someone who would like to explore the earlier days of gaming, Capcom’s legacy as a maker of fine arcade games is here for all to see.

Hand of Fate is easy to pick up and play, and even easier to understand, even from the beginning.

Spirits is very puzzling, well thought-through mind game, you just need to have an open-mind to finish.

A great sequel to a very unique and entertaining series.

Developers spend so much time trying to recapture that magic of classic pixel-style games and instead forget about what made them special. It wasn’t the look, it was the loop. There are plenty of 8 and 16-bit titles with mundane game play and nowadays it shows why some games stood the test of time. Be challenging, but be interesting. Don’t just punish players and throw lush visuals at them. Make the game play interesting as well. This is something Valfaris lacks, and I wish more indie developers understood when making these games that I very much want to play, I just lose interest in far too soon.

For those that aren't wed to PES or are new to soccer video games, you will likely find greater enjoyment out of FIFA, due to accessibility and the broader community options. Konami used to be top dog in the competition with EA. However, a more conservative approach to innovation for PES, along with huge strides taken in FIFA, have put Konami in a position that demands innovation and retooling in order for there to actually be a competition in future years.

The simplistic mechanics and unique puzzles bring an old-school flavor to the game that should appeal to just about anyone with a love for gaming in general.

While Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves doesn’t do much to set itself apart from other quality fighters on the market today, it’s a solid new entry in an iconic series that shows that SNK is still a worthy contender amongst the legends of the genre.

In conclusion, Pokemon Conquest is an incredible game that is both easy to get into and incredibly deep at the same time. This game might not be for everyone, but those who are open minded enough to give this a shot (Pokemon fans and just RPG strategy fans alike) will find that this game is strange, charming, and just completely awesome.

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.

A fantastic choice for a Wii launch title, and a can’t lose title for a launch purchase. A fun, challenging game which shows off the elegant design and future potential of the Wii and it’s innovative controls.

The core game is fun, but I would recommend sticking with one platform throughout and rotating save slots.

Blossom Tales scratches an itch I have of wanting to venture through Link to the Past once a year. It is well-designed if not a bit cliché in its approach. Still for those with the same nostalgia for Link’s SNES adventure, there are few games that capture it as well as this one.

Mega Man Zero/ZX Legacy Collection provides a compelling package for those who never had the opportunity to check out a piece of lesser known Megaman history.

Fans of 4X games and RPGs should really look into Fallen Enchantress: Legendary Heroes.

Treyarch has done an amazing job with this game and has quite possibly constructed one of the best online experiences currently available anywhere.

The episode is considerably longer than the last few. I was surprised and pleased to finish the trial and find substantial head-scratchers left to solve. As with all these adventures, there's little reason to revisit them once you've finished. That's just the nature of this particular beast, though. Digest it and spend a month waiting for the next one.

As a whole, I enjoyed this season, but the final episode fell a little flat.

As I say in all my reviews of every episode of The Walking Dead I play, if you're a fan of a good narrative and character interactions, you need to play this series. Fans of the comic and television show should not hesitate to pick this game up.

For pinball fans looking for more, this pack is quite the steal.

Pumpkin Jack is a great looking game, a great playing game, and a well written game. It should not be skipped in the slightest. The Halloween aesthetic may seem out of season now, but don’t let it fool you, this game is enjoyable at any time; the minions of hell rising up to destroy humanity truly is a timeless tale. The end credits show the development and love Nicolas poured into this game, and all of that can be found in the final product. I really hope this isn’t the last we see of Jack.

Whether you’re managing resources, planning tactical maneuvers, or simply exploring the detailed environments, Empire of Ants offers a unique gaming experience but with this year already seeing big strategy games drop; I hope this one doesn’t get lost on the hill.

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.

Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny is quite possibly the best portable fighting game I have ever played. The only thing it suffers from is its inability to differentiate itself from its console brethren.

Even if you think the double dipping of Ultimate was a scam, it is hard to deny the value of being able to play this amazing brawler whenever, and wherever, you want. I cannot recommend this game enough and if you own a Vita, this is easily a must-own in my book.

It’s not the most user-friendly game at the start, especially for those having never played the genre before, but if given the time, will grow on players immensely.

Overall, The Last Story is a game that evoked mixed emotions, swinging from hate to pure captivation at the unique approach to storytelling.

The visual style is going to be a love or hate affair. I walked away really enjoying the visuals, and would love to see more games with this odd Claymation, obscure style. Yet the gameplay, for better or worse, seems to be almost the exact same. I couldn’t really tell much of a difference between the two other than new backgrounds, new visuals, and new sound and music. I feel like a sequel should usually try to mix things up a bit or do more, but Nidhogg 2 feels like a safe bet. More of the same and just a different look. For newcomers, it’s no worries, for fans, it could be a slight disappointment. It’s still a fun and frantic game, and that quality shines throughout, regardless of walking the same line as the first.

Unequivocally the best Tiger Woods game in years. The sheer volume of great content on display here will keep gamers busy for months, and the fantastic Move support is sure to be a hit.

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.

LEGO City Undercover is a solid exclusive title for Nintendo’s machine; especially with the severe lack of software currently on the market. If you own a Wii U and can tolerate the shortcomings of the LEGO series it is easy to recommend. Those who have grown tired of the massive collect-a-thons though might find themselves rolling their eyes again at the tedium that ensues.

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.

The game play is fast and exciting, but also challenging. The presentation is, in a word, cool.

Overall, if you love old-school shooters and feel like you are up for a challenge then I would tell you to download Space Invaders I.G. to your HD gaming system or iPhone of your choice, this is a really awesome game.

An amazing game. I can't suggest it enough. RPG fans will fall in love with the customization of both your character and equipment, action fans will love the thought out combat and fantasy fans will love the lore and story.

Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm – Full Burst is a game that offers a great fighting game experience with simple controls and complex mechanics.

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.

Epic Mickey: Rebrushed feels like a triumphant return that beautifully blends nostalgia with modern some enhancements. The visuals are captivating, the gameplay is enjoyable, and the heartwarming story still shines. However, the absence of voiced characters feels like a significant missed opportunity, one that could have taken the emotional experience to new heights. Despite this, Rebrushed remains a must-play in a sea of great platformers, inviting players to rediscover the magic of creativity and adventure in Wasteland. Whether you’re revisiting or experiencing it for the first time like I did, Mickey’s artistic journey is one worth taking.

For fans of 2D platformers it’s a good choice, and definitely worth checking out.

You will be surprised at just how deep the combat can be, not to mention how addicting it is to get into a good 16-player skirmish over Xbox Live.

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

I had a ton of fun playing this with my family and it is easy to recommend for just about anyone. Here is to another generation of gamers getting simultaneously angry and overjoyed at the divisive Mario Party series.

If you're looking to get into MTG for the first time, or if you want to rekindle your love for the game, 2013 is a must own. The game explains everything in detail, and the amount of content and modes are robust enough to keep players going for hours. This is the best Magic video game that is on the market today, and its all yours for 10 dollars. That is a great deal for what you get. I can not suggest Duels of the Plainswalker 2013 enough.

inFamous: Second Son is a gorgeous game that will definitely satiate PS4 owners starving for a new title for their collection. I still feel like it falls short of being that system-seller everyone has been waiting for, but those already invested definitely need to pick it up.

One things is for certain though, The Division is a great step in the right direction for people coming together to take down the enemy or working alone. They might have similarities to others that they have followed in their footsteps, but everything looks to be coming together extremely well and I have faith in the Division’s future.

Overall, if you love old-school shooters and feel like you are up for a challenge then I would tell you to download Space Invaders I.G. to your HD gaming system or iPhone of your choice, this is a really awesome game.

In the end, Ys Seven is an ok game. It does get monotonous as far as the combat goes, but the story and level progressions are decently paced. For those looking to get into the series for the first time, this is a decent jumping on point. Sure, some characters act like they know each other, but it feels like each Ys game has its own standalone story. For the RPG players looking for a simple, yet fun time and isn’t bothered by some mindless hack ‘n slash, Ys Seven is a good one for you.

With greatness often comes great load times, and Lunar is no exception to that rule.

Whether you’ve already experienced the world of Rorona or are looking to check it out for the first time, you won’t be disappointed.

It can get a little frustrating and confusing at times, but once you start to get that hang of the elements at play here, you will find a very fun game that is worth your attention and time, even in the sea of great games that are on the market this spring.

With easy to learn controls, great arcade gameplay and some fantastic catches, this game should be played by any baseball fan.

Them’s Fightin’ Herds is one of the best ideas in the fighting game scene in a while. The roster could use a boost, but everything else here is fantastic. The fighting feels great, the modes are plentiful, and the design is excellent. I hope support continues for this game and with crossplay and rollback netcode the online scene could become massive. If you love the genre you owe it to yourself to check this game out. Even if the idea doesn’t set with you, I promise there is plenty here to love.

The content packed into this cart is impressive. The story mode is deep, the fighting is tight and the visuals are gorgeous. The game also packs enough new material to make it worth checking out as a double dip for fans.

Downwell is a $5 game that anyone can pick up and play and have a fun time with. It’s not a game you play hours on end, but definitely something that can be enjoyed for small chunks in between games, and for that cheap price, it fits right in with the entire rougelike nature of the game. It’s a small, fun, and easy addiction that many will really enjoy all for a cheap price.

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

Only time will tell, but so far A New Frontier is entertaining and exciting in the best ways possible.

I could go on and on about how much I love Kings Quest, so I will. King’s Quest is the surprise hit of 2015 so far. Chapter one is filled with so many exciting moments, fun puzzles, hilarious characters, and a unique sense of awe and fantasy. I felt like I was in a wonderfully animated cartoon based on a classic series and I couldn’t stop smiling or laughing the entire time.

Even though there’s no hiding the PSP roots of this rather simplistic title, there is still a lot of fun to be had in its solid level design, satisfying sense of progression and great soundtrack.

This is a cutesy game with pretty much an entire Japanese soundtrack and theme. If you’re into this type of game, then you’ll enjoy it. If you’re not, then you won’t.

Bit.Trip Core is an excellent addition to the WiiWare library, and a great addition to the rhythm genre.

You will be hard pressed to find a better (legal) collection of Sega games in one place.