The game is an addicting and fun romp through a world you wake up in knowing nothing about.

Even with the small faults it has, that doesn’t keep Space Assault from being a great time. The action is both familiar and fun, the visuals are pretty great, and at the price of 10 bucks, you can’t really beat it. I had a great time with Redout: Space Assault; it brought back some old fond memories and let me feel like an ace space pilot with some simple controls that anyone can pick up and play. If you’re a fan of Star Fox, this is one that you don’t want to miss.

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

Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy is a compilation title that succeeds thanks to the quality and quantity of content on offer more so than the effort it has been given to remaster each individual game. Having said that, it’s a great way for veterans of the series to revisit these classics as well as a nice way for those who have been following up on these re-releases to finally catch up to all the mainline entries released thus far. Surely, this means we’ll get a new Ace Attorney game in the near future, right? RIGHT?! CAPCOM!?

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

With plenty to see and do and a large variety of ways to cause chaos and mayhem Just Cause will satisfy any gamers appetite for destruction.

CellFactor is an incredible game. With easy to learn (and use controls), cool psi powers and action that is faced-paced and addictive, it is an excellent addition to the PSN and XBLA.

With a revamped control scheme, massive levels to explore, and tons of secrets to unlock Tomb Raider Legend will keep avid gamers busy for a very long time to come.

Trine 2 is exactly what Frozenbyte intended it to be: a follow-up to a unique puzzle-platformer that beefs up the visuals and puzzle design. If you enjoyed the original, or enjoy the puzzle genre at all, this is a must get. The co-op is a blast, the puzzles will have you scratching your head for hours and the visuals are absolutely jaw-dropping.

Wolfenstein: The Old Blood is a fantastic follow-up to last year’s rebirth of the series. I hope a full-fledged sequel is in the works, but for now this definitely satisfies my hunger for more Blazkowicz.

Minecraft on Xbox 360 is a superb package that is well worth the inflated XBLA price tag. For $20 you get so much content that it is hard to argue the value, especially considering it is cheaper than on PC, and now more accessible for players without a gaming rig.

For ten bucks, you get a pretty enjoyable tower defense game. The cut scenes are unique and full of 1950s goofiness and hot pin-up girls that give off a nice charm. The game itself is rather enjoyable as well, even if the later story levels get rather difficult. If you're into tower defense games, you should really check this game out. It's fun, strategic and really charming.

The environments are lush and lively; I'll never forget leaning against a tree and being startled by a tarantula crawling across the bark an inch away, or the time I had my rifle poked over a boulder in a tense standoff, and a butterfly landed right in front of my face, only to fly away when my opponent shot at me.

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.

Sparking! Zero is a visually stunning and action-packed game that captures the spirit of the Dragon Ball series. While its episode mode may not be its strongest feature, the game’s dedication to fan service and its impressive roster makes it a must-play for any Dragon Ball fan. The combination of breathtaking visuals, engaging gameplay, and nostalgic elements ensures that Sparking! Zero will be a favorite among fans for years to come.

Lifeless Planet is an absolute gem.

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

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.

I highly recommend this game to anyone who enjoys an incredible story, a good brawler, and isn't upset by load times here and there. The story here is topnotch, the direction and presentation of the story is executed superbly.

In sum, Follow the Rabbit is a solid lighthearted puzzler. I found it superior to Angry Birds in every way but one: there is no visceral thrill of destruction. It should appeal to the same folks who like the more famous game, which turns out to be almost everybody.

The animation system is absolutely enthralling to view, the association mode is deeper than Scrooge McDuck’s money bin, and the overall game looks and plays better than any other title in the genre.

Wheelman is a good game, with a bit more polish it might have been a great one. Having some good dialogue, a great soundtrack, and pretty cool premise helps distract from the pop-in that comes up every once in a while.

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

Techland has truly made the best Call of Juarez game with Gunslinger. I cannot suggest it enough.

This game was made with tournament play in mind. It may be difficult for new fighting game players to get into, but once you do, it is a very rewarding experience. You get a really impressive fighting game all for 15 bucks. If you're a fighting game fan, you really should pick this game up.

The Wii was definitely the perfect audience to deliver it on, and for thirty bucks you simply cannot afford to miss this incredibly charming experience.

Now, I can safely sit Stasis right next to SOMA as two completely different sci-fi horror experiences that bring their respective genres forward, and a new standard in sci-fi horror gaming.

The gameplay loop in Evil Dead: The Game is so satisfying it can scratch two different type of genre itches. On the one hand you have the survivor game play, which plays out like a mix between a battle royale and a horde mode. Then you have the demon gameplay, which is almost like a tower-defense style RTS with its use of needing a resource to place units and traps around the fields. And then because why not; let’s throw an RPG system in here so people can level up skills and tweak their gameplay styles to what works for them. Beyond just the systems though much like the source material, Evil Dead: The Game is just fun. Even when the game is invoking ‘jump scares’ (of which there are a ton) heck, even when losing I still had a ball and was excited to try and take down evil again. And with a promised new map based on Castle Kandar from ‘Army of Darkness and a noticeably absent Ruby from the Ash vs Evil Dead show; I think its safe to say that the team has Saber is going to keep us battling the Evil Dead for quite some time.

And if nothing else, the sheer speed alone has me wanting to come back to this game. So pick up a controller, strap on your helmet, and hold on to your butts because Nail'd will give you the ride of your life.

The main game is a little bit on the short side, but there are collectables to find and target times to hit for the puzzle rooms, so there is plenty to do once you finish the core game.

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

Even with the problems it has, I still think it’s worth any RPG fan’s time.

For players looking for an action adventure/RPG that blends style, substance, and a healthy sense of humor, this is an easy recommendation. It may wear a fairy tale costume, but underneath that bright cloak is a sharp, confident experience that knows how to fight, how to entertain, and how to keep you turning the page.

Far Cry 6 may not move the needle much in terms of innovation, but it executes what makes these games extremely fun to play.

Zeit is a really ambitious take on the side scrolling shoot 'em up genre. The game's difficulty can throw a few players off, but the game takes time to master.

The game world is larger this time around, and there is ultimately mode to see and do in this game than the original Deathspank.

And if nothing else, the sheer speed alone has me wanting to come back to this game. So pick up a controller, strap on your helmet, and hold on to your butts because Nail'd will give you the ride of your life.

Project Cars 2 is the definition of what a sequel should be, taking everything great from the original game, bringing it back, and introducing new and interesting features. Everything feels finely tuned and the options are unparalleled. This is a dream for racing fans and a treat for anyone who even slightly enjoys the genre. Don’t sleep on this one, there are few racing games that offer this much in one package.

Even when I was beating my head against a wall on a certain level, I was still having a fun time with OlliOlli World. The simple controls kept me engaged, the progression was as difficult as I wanted it to be, and the style really sold the entire experience, I think fans of the Trials or Joe Danger games should really give this one a shot and fans of skating games can have a lot of fun here as well.

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.

You really do not need to know much about the original to find this one fun and enjoyable.

The team has done a fantastic job of refreshing this franchise, and I am hopeful that they garner some new fans to keep this series of games going for years to come.

Like I said, this game involves hell, demons, really big guns and pentagrams. If you're into that sort of thing, this game is a no-brainer at less than a dollar. If you're not, it's probably worth taking a look at nonetheless.

Gears of War Ultimate edition seemingly does well enough on PC and everything that was on the Xbox One version is offered here.

Jazzpunk is certainly enjoyable, but it isn’t without its flaws.

A game for those that want nice, quick, and brain stumping challenges at home or on the go.

You may not like the story it tells, and you may not feel totally satisfied with the outcome; but when the story is told in such a well crafted manner it doesn’t really matter. Anyone who appreciates a good mystery will definitely get something out of Firewatch; just don’t let your mind race to much, as you may end up feeling a little let down.

Basketball Classics is a wonderful experience at a perfect price that anyone can enjoy. Players don’t have to have knowledge of the sport to have a good time, and there is enough content here to keep players hooked for a while. The lack of online hurts it a little, but I still recommend this to just about anyone who enjoys fun. Get past the nostalgic visuals and you will discover one of the most addictive experiences I have had in a long time.

It’s been an extremely long time since I’ve played an RPG that’s scratched an adventure itch in a classic sense. Even the other two Chronicles games didn’t capture me the same way this one does. It could be the setup, the character, the world, or some odd combination of a world in the clouds, but regardless it works for me. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 feels like a classic RPG from days past, when the original PlayStation seemed to spew one out every other week, and that’s a good thing.

Two Point Museum is another great entry in the ‘Two Point Universe’. With each game the team at Two Point Studios shows their growth and as such each one is better than the last. Fans of micromanagement sim style games will find lots to love here, not the least of which is the stellar radio station that plays during gameplay. I am hoping that the team delivers some post-launch content to add some more areas to Two Point County, but even in its base form, I don’t see this one going extinct anytime soon.

It feels like we waited a lifetime to finally play this game, and even now it has only just begun. There is so much more of the original game to come. The problem is we have no idea when it will land and how many more times we will have to pay for a chapter, but if they are as quality as this entry I am all for it. Final Fantasy 7 was the first in the series that really grabbed me. It has its nostalgic hooks into me and I will be here for every entry. I hope they clean up the pacing issues and continue to wow me as they go along. For now this is one of the best games of the year, and still gives me chills with its presentation and music.

Quantum Break is a Remedy shooter at its core, and fans of the developers know what to expect coming in. The merger of TV and gaming has been sought after for years, but they have somehow managed to pull it off. It works, and that is probably the biggest shock out of the entire package.

The big question is the price tag. While the complete collection is a reasonable $60, owners of other versions are required to drop $40 to get the new story content and characters. It is a steep price for three characters and a new three-hour campaign, but the quality is there. For fans, it is a no-brainer, but for casuals the barrier to entry is high.

Including the Mercenaries mode and previous bonus content featuring Ada Wong, it’s well worth the price for anyone who hasn’t experienced the game yet, or enjoyed the original release. For those who played the 360 or PS3 HD releases though, the visual differences here are negligible, and don’t warrant another purchase.

Even after six years, this is still one of the best games out there, and it has aged ridiculously well.

Despite the permanence of typical Atelier quirks, Atelier Ryza 3 is a wonderful conclusion to the trilogy featuring some of the best the series has to offer. While this marks the end of Ryza’s journey as the heroine, her influence to this unique and charming franchise will be felt long after the credits have rolled.

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.

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

If you enjoy the genre at all, Black Rock has certainly crafted one of the finest action/racing games ever created and they continue to prove their expertise in the genre.

A Hat in Time is probably the best platformer released this year that doesn’t star that one plumber guy. Anyone who still has fond memories of classic N64 platformers owe it to themselves to check it out. Also for PS4 and XB1 owners this is about as good as it gets without Italian influence. For the price it is more than worth your time. Don’t sleep on this charming title.

For five bucks, you get a pretty decent fighting game on Xbox One that you and some fighting game friends can have a fun time with. It is unfortunate to see no online play as this game would greatly benefit from it, but I could see a small grassroots scene for this game at local tournaments if enough people give it a shot, and for the price and what you actually get, I think it’s well worth it.

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.

Even with those technical flaws, Atelier Escha & Logy Plus is still an RPG well worth experiencing for those who have not had the chance to check out the original. It’s debatable which of the two versions should be considered the “definitive experience”, so I would simply say that you can’t really go wrong with either.

If you put on the invincibility, players can take down the final boss in maybe 35 minutes. It’s a quick playthrough but altering the cheats or challenging myself and trying to power through it all without cheating could result in hours of play time. For seven bucks, that’s not a bad deal. It’s a classic game that I don’t think many have heard of and one that shoot ‘em up fans will probably want to check out, and with all the features added into this release, it’s a solid package for the purists out there.

Overall, this is a must have for those of you who would like to take the journey to gaming past. It’s like a trip to a time before fanboyism, bloging, global warming, and reality Television (cringe).

Fast paced and exciting, with only a few small niggles.

Donkey Kong: Tropical Freeze might be a disappointment in theory, but once I started playing it, I couldn’t help but fall in love.

All the pieces come together in the end: the design, the story, and the gameplay. Despite brief hurdles with the combat sections this is one of my favorite games of 2023. I actually hope Team Reptile makes a sequel that fixes the combat and maybe changes up how bikes, boards, and skates play a bit because this game was so much fun to play. I went from having no interest in this game to being absolutely enveloped by it. I bought it for a friend. Forget Jet Set, go Bomb Rush.

The animation system is absolutely enthralling to view, the association mode is deeper than Scrooge McDuck’s money bin, and the overall game looks and plays better than any other title in the genre.

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.

The art style is fantastic. It reminds me of both Metal Slug and Scott Pilgrim and the original soundtrack is superb with 8-bit sounds mixed in with a refined and catchy set up that even after all these years still has me whistling the tunes. The presentation is top notch here and really gives off that old school SNES feel. This is actually a pretty easy game to talk about. Many people got it for free on PS4 and get the new and improved update for free as well. Even if you didn’t, this is still a great game to get into for a pretty cheap price on Switch, Xbox One, and Vita. I highly suggest picking it up.

Robocop: Rogue City is an absolute gem of a game. While not as polished as a AAA title, it still manages to look great in motion and function just as well. The bugs I found were minimum and usually happened when I killed an enemy near a guardrail, for some reason they are all programmed to fall over no matter how far away from the rail they may be. But I never ran into any real issues here, Rogue City is as solid as Robocop himself. I would be remiss if I didn’t shoutout the excellent audio in Rogue City, from the excellent Peter Weller reprising his role as Alex Murphy/Robocop to the inclusion of an EXCELLENT piano version of the classic movie theme if you are a fan of Robocop, Rogue City has been made for you. Playing Rogue City, I couldn’t help but think that Teyon has done for Robocop what Rocksteady did for Batman. They managed to highlight another side of the character in the interactive space by allowing players to really embody the ‘cop’ part of Robocop.

Monster Hunter Generations feels like a slight step forward while changing things up a bit in the formula.

The story is intriguing, the shooting is visceral, and the journey is one well worth taking.

Super Mega Baseball 4 is an outstanding entry in the series and the best to date. I have enjoyed each entry and spend more time playing these than the licensed Show games. I really love customizing my team and taking them through a franchise season. The updates and additions here really flesh out the series and I am excited for the future. I wonder if they will ever tackle another sport. Would love to see some Super Mega Football in the future.

Battletoads is a game that shouldn’t work in 2020. The originals were brutal tests of patience and I mean come on, it has been nearly three decades. Who under 30 actually remembers these characters? Still, for someone like me it is a real treat to see Microsoft once again return a former beloved Rare property back to its glory. I like where this is going and if we can bring the rest of the crew back, I will once again relive my youth. Banjo, Conker, and Joanna are next on the docket, let’s hope they see the same love and care as these toads have.

Overall, for $10, Intercept is a pretty fun mode. I will say, if you plan on picking it up, make sure you have a few people to play with. Playing this solo or with only two players can be very challenging.

When it’s all said and done, Tales of Arise features a likeable cast of characters, compelling story and one of my new favorite combat engines, not just in the Tales series but in all the JRPGs I’ve played so far and if not for the pacing issues and the PC port’s technical issues, it could have set the bar for JRPGs to follow.

While my short time with Astebreed was certainly one of the most fun I’ve had with a game in its genre, it’s a bit short on the extras, as it is only a single player experience which can be completed in about an hour.

It is probably the purest throw back to the run and gun shooters of old.

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.

While at first glance I thought this was going to be a horror game in the same way that Grabbed by the Ghoulies is; that is to say very silly and a bit over the top. But I was pleasantly surprised at In Nightmare, as I said horror is not usually my thing but the subject matter here and the way it’s handled is quite masterful. I mean the whole game is extremely relatable as Bill discovers the thing that some of us have already; and that thing is that more often than not we create our own monsters via our subconscious. The situations or people we monster-fy were never as bad as we thought they were. And hopefully I haven’t said too much, because this game is a wonderful experience, despite the wonky jump button and iffy sonar system I enjoyed my time in this nightmare very much. And while there isn’t much replay value outside of trying to 100% everything; at a value price In Nightmare is more than worth it just on the story alone.

Fuga: Melodies of Steel 2 provides another dark look at war and its effects on those who are waging it. Just like in the first there are some very dire consequences to using certain abilities in game, thankfully the developers have added another option which will only disable instead of destroying, which is nice but still feels bad to use either weapon. (Im being vague on purpose but if you played the original you know what I’m talking about) While I loved this game almost as much as I enjoyed the original, I just can’t shake the feeling that this didn’t do enough to be a full sequel, so much of it is so similar to the original. It doesn’t mean Fuga 2 isn’t great though, the story is just as moving as the original and the relationships players will be stewards over with these kids is one of, if not the best thing about this series.

Super Mega Baseball 3 is a phenomenal entry in the series, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. With MLB The Show branching out to multiple platforms next year it feels good that we will finally have two baseball games worth talking about during the season. No more is it a one-man game when it comes to America’s great pastime. Don’t let the price tag scare you, SMB3 is more than worth the price of admission and that overpriced hot dog.

Echo truly surprised me in ways I didn’t expect. It’s very serious in its setting, absolutely nailing this mishmash of sci-fi horror and tension perfectly combined with stealth and A.I. elements that push the narrative further and extend to its moment to moment gameplay. I haven’t heard many people talking about Echo, and I surely hope that changes. If a sequel ever comes or a new setting with similar style ideas on gameplay emerge, count me in. Echo nails exactly what it’s going for. P.S. it has one of the most creative and cool looking start menus.

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

Mega Man has never been known as a walk in the park when it came to difficulty and this port tries its best to stay true to the original feel. Fans new and old should most certainly check out this collection. I highly recommend it.

Halo Wars is the best real time strategy on consoles right now and it can be a lot of fun, but the relative lack of depth for such a usually deep genre can get old after a while.

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.

For true arcade nuts there is even a mode where a second DS can be used as a controller for titles like Track & Field where mashing buttons is sure to distort your view of the action.

Tearaway was a big surprise hit for me on the Vita and this remake is bigger, has more content, and more unique ways to progress versus its handheld sibling.

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

Mini Ninjas Adventures is a great example of good game design for the Kinect. The gestures are unique enough that they don't get mixed up, and nothing is unnecessarily complex. The progression of weapons and enemies kept me engaged the entire time, and I was always having enough fun to forgive the occasional control glitch. It's a cute, enjoyable game and definitely worth checking out.

Brings back memories of the classic series with witty writing and some truly challenging and off-the-wall questions. There is just enough diversity to keep things fresh and rounds move by so quickly that it never feels like it is dragging. Presentation and writing are king here.

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

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.

Brings back memories of the classic series with witty writing and some truly challenging and off-the-wall questions. There is just enough diversity to keep things fresh and rounds move by so quickly that it never feels like it is dragging. Presentation and writing are king here.

The few rough edges that crop up as repetitive enemies and a weak link in the teamwork chain do little to detract from the very compelling whole.