I have always been a massive fan of Super Stardust HD, but I never thought Housemarque would be able to reach those dizzying heights again. I was wrong. Nex Machina takes all that was good about SSHD and turns the dial up, making this game my new favorite Housemarque game and one that I urge each and every one of your to go out and buy. Be warned however, it’s going to make your thumbs sore.

Overall I was left feeling empty whilst playing Randall. A game that tried very hard to shine with its varying gameplay styles, but ends up failing on all fronts; and totally messes up the platforming elements, making it frustrating to play.

Cars 3: Driven to Win is an excellent title that simply feels underappreciated. Especially for XB1 and PS4 owners who don’t have access to the king of the genre. Even on Switch this is a solid purchase for fans young and old. Avalanche continues to prove they have the chops to make great games, sadly they never seem to get the recognition, or chance to really shine. Don’t skip this game. It is more than worth the price of admission.

While I can most definitively say that Akiba’s Beat is a marked improvement over its predecessor, I can’t help but feel that in its aspiration to become like the much beloved Persona and Tales series, it has lost an identity of its own. Despite its improvements, with the stellar lineup of games all bidding for your time this year, it’s hard to recommend Akiba’s Beat over its superior alternatives.

For $20, players get a decent adventure game that has some pretty good puzzles and a decent story. Granted, it’s not the longest game out there and completionists can get pretty much everything on their first run if they really try. Conarium came out of nowhere and surprised me when I finally played it. It takes a few moments to get into it, but when it ramps up, it gets pretty good. Give it a shot if you enjoy adventure games and a decent horror story.

ARMS is a truly unique experience that digs into my nostalgia with games like Punch Out! I just hope the free DLC will make it feel more fleshed out. Quality cannot be argued here, but content definitely feels far too light at launch.

The town of light does some really unique and innovative things for the horror genre but its adventure game aspects are simultaneously mundane and confusing. Still, its real-life horrors stick with you longer than the more fantastical and gruesome images that are commonly seen in other games.

While the concepts are interesting and really have something special in mind, the execution and technical issues really hold back Friday the 13th from living up to its own hype. There are a few moments of fun here and there, but the Xbox One version is still having issues finding games for people, myself included. I hear the other versions are in better shape than this one, so if you’re still really interested in it, maybe get if for PC or PS4. Even then, I must warn you, there is some fun to see, but in the end it is still a clunky, random experience that I feel needed a few more months of development.

Starpoint Gemini Warlords still feels a little incomplete. While I would not go so far as to describe it as anything approaching a disaster, there are a lot of problems here that need addressing. The good news is, theoretically, many of the performance issues can be fixed – and I think this would really improve the overall experience. The bad news is, the game’s core foundation – its blend of simulator/RPG/strategy – doesn’t really work as well as it could, at the moment. It’s a structural problem – one born from an over-ambitious attempt to do too many things at once. It has a lot of promise, but the delivery is lacking. There is an enjoyable game in here, but it currently lives down the road. For now, however, Starpoint Gemini Warlords is a product that doesn’t do any one thing well enough to justify its price point and the accompanying time investment it requires of players.

Portal Knights certainly takes inspiration from Minecraft, but does enough different to stand on its own. It’s procedurally generated environments and visuals impress the most, which make for a nice laid-back adventure.

Tekken 7 feels like the return for the series. After some bumps in the PS2 and PS3 era this series really feels like it is regaining its footing. There is a lot of content here for casuals and solo players, and the hardcore will love the under-the-hood changes. There is something for everyone, which most fighting games fail to capitalize on. If you have been out of the Tekken game for a while, it is finally time to return.

Getting the $39.99 Overkill Edition will give you the base game and both DLCs. They’re both worth it, so that would be the best bet for people wanting to get the most out of Victor Vran. As far as the game goes, it is just as competent as the heavy hitters in the dungeon crawling genre. The online works well, and with four player co-op, it can be a blast to play with friends. I highly suggest Victor Vran to any action RPG fan.

At its core, Rev 2 is more or less the same game as Revelator. While that might seem like a damning statement at first, given the excellence of the original, it’s not entirely a bad thing. Still, I must confess that there is a creeping feeling that this glorified update is lacking in content, though the discounted full price and the option to purchase an upgrade for owners of Revelator makes it easier to recommend. Here’s to a more substantial installment for the next iteration of Guilty Gear.

Rime is a beautiful game with some ugly drawbacks. Still, I recommend checking it out. The world is gorgeous and the adventure worth seeing. I hope the developers make an effort to clean up the frame rate at some point, but I also hope to see a follow-up with some of the issues addressed. There is too much beauty for this game to not return.

As someone thoroughly tired and uninterested in anything Musou, I can say without hesitation that Spirit of Sanada did very little in changing my opinion on the genre. Having said that, the focus on telling a tighter, more involved story along with the addition of a variety of RPG elements is a step in the right direction and deserves praise- hopefully pointing towards a renaissance for the genre.

There is little to complain about with Spellspire. It’s a jolly little game, with a colorful art style and some nice touches of humor. But this is a word puzzle game; if you’re not great with word games like Boggle or Scrabble, then it may not be the game for you. But at $9.99, if you fancy taking your brain for a workout, instead of your fingers, then Spellspire is the perfect distraction.

The quality of Street Fighter II is unparalleled, and it is still one of the most balanced fighting games ever created. The addition of Violent Ken and Evil Ryu doesn’t do much to the roster, and Way of the Hado is a diversion at best. However, the $40 price tag stings. Yes, we have all heard of Switch tax, but this feels like Switch robbery. This game should have launched at $15-$20 at most. This is a very solid game, just not one worth its current price of admission.

Those familiar with the franchise will no doubt be happy to see that Lo Wang has returned. With his trusty katana and arsenal of bad jokes, Wang once again returns to slice and dice his enemies into snack-sized bits. While some things remain the same, the second game also adds randomized levels and plenty of loot to collect. It is a mash-up of styles that work surprisingly well together.

Tango Fiesta has a few nice touches here and there, but nothing really in the way of originality. It’s not the best twin-stick shooter out there, by a long mile. And it isn’t even the best eighties action film inspired game either. If you like some couch co-op shooting action, then it may be worth a look, but wait until it goes on sale.

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.

I look at Skylar and Plux as the Little Engine that Could, but it ends up being the one that just couldn’t. I really wanted to like it, but with the glaring issues, it’s hard to recommend without a significant price drop. The platforming and jumping works and is actually very tight. That’s what kept me going. It’s bland in most aspects, but there is something there behind the surface. If you can find it, you may get some enjoyment out of it. Even then, I would still wait for a price cut.

Injustice 2 is a lot more of what I loved about the first game. The gear really adds to the single player aspect. I find myself grinding characters and decking them out with the latest fashion. It is addictive, and will likely keep me playing for months. It is impossible to argue the value they packed into this game. Whether their style of fighting game is up your alley is another story. Injustice 2 won’t suddenly change anyone’s opinion of the developer’s work, but it will thrill fans of it.

The Surge is a nice addition to the genre. The combat feels great even when the story and mechanics start to sputter out. The claustrophobic nature of the level design adds to the tension, and it feels good to have a game in this genre that isn’t chock full of gothic horror themes. It brings new ideas to the familiar mechanics and executes on them well.

Despite having many of the series’ staple complexities stripped away, Shadows of Valentia proves a thoroughly enjoyable adventure. Those who found the Fire Emblem series too intimidating due to its difficulty and overwhelming depth need look no further for their accessible entry point to the franchise.

There’s not much I can say about Narcosis. It was too short of an experience to really gather a lot for it. At the same time, this was made for VR and I’m sure if I had played it in VR it would have had a bigger effect on me. Unfortunately, while this is supposed to be a horror game, I never once jumped or was creeped out. To be honest, I was more slightly confused and annoyed with some of the choices the developers made when it came to both exploration and platforming. If you’re still interested, there are a few redeeming qualities, but not many. I’d still hold off until a price drop.

At times I could see the appeal, but there’s just too many core problems with this game to recommend it to anyone who hasn’t already immersed themselves in the series. The mixture of boredom and confusion made me wish I was doing just about anything else.

NBA Playgrounds scratches an itch I didn’t know I had. Growing up in arcades I spent many a quarter on games like NBA Jam. Outside of the failed attempt by EA a few years back to resurrect the franchise, we really haven’t had a good alternative. Playgrounds fills that void nicely, even with its shortcomings. Anyone wondering if it had to be the shoes would do well to check it out.

In the end Human: Fall Flat is exactly what I expected it would be, but with more to it than I anticipated. I loved digging through each area. Even when Bob fell to his death, respawning and trying again never bothered me. The simplistic design and clever physics-based puzzles offer up an enjoyable romp that is more than worth the price of admission.

Ultimately, though, Crusade does what all good expansions should do – it takes a base game and improves upon it in significant ways. There is a great amount of new content here that will give existing players a fresh experience when returning to Galactic Civilizations III. It’s also competitively priced, which should entice newcomers as well. There are a few bugs and the rather large shadow of Stellaris that hang over this game, but all in all this is a really decent strategy title that should appeal to any fan of 4X gaming.

Flatout 4 feels like a game destined to reinvigorate the franchise and just ran out of steam. I am a massive fan of the original game and its sequel, and while this is light years beyond the abomination that was the third game, it still falls short. More tracks, more variety, and some much needed polish would have gone a long way in bringing back this cult classic. As it stands though, arcade racers still sit dormant in today’s gaming landscape.

Coming into this game expecting maybe an above average alien shooter, I was actually really impressed. It has the makings of a BioShock or System Shock while keeping it fresh with new abilities and full exploration to play how I wanted. The horror elements are there and work well, and while the story isn’t the best out there, it is enough to keep people playing. If you’re looking for a new horror game or even a game much like Dishonored where freedom to do what you want is the main crux, Prey is the game for you.

The look and feel all work well with each other. It really does look like a game from 1996. Even the level splash screen looks like Doom. From the over abundance of gore and blood to the industrial rock soundtrack, it just oozes 90’s nostalgia. While it may be a slightly short experience, there are multiple difficulty levels to try out. This could go either way. It could be a game you pick up and play all the way through, or a game that you try for about 20 minutes and never look at again. It really all depends on what kind of mood you’re in. If you’re in a mood for a fast paced old school run and gun kind of game, this is it and it does really well for itself. If you’re not or are looking for something with more substance, you may want to look elsewhere. Butcher is more for the players that want to turn off their brain for a little bit and just shoot some stuff, and you know what? It does a decent job with that.

Trails in the Sky 3 is a departure from its predecessors in more ways than one, and is undoubtedly the weakest of the three titles. However, the foundation of what made the first two titles feel special still remains with charming, multi-layered characters I’ve fallen in love with all over again, and writing that plays my heartstrings like a god damn fiddle.

I enjoyed my time with Birthdays the Beginning. It’s not an action game or even much of a strategy game. It has some fun elements to it that allow players to create and relax. Finding all the life forms is a fun endeavor, and one that I think people who enjoy games like Viva Piñata and to a sense, Minecraft, will have a lot of fun with it. Players wanting to create and explore is really what thing game is for. While never boring, it does have a few slow spots to it, and in here is where the players will generate their own fun creating their ecosystem.

It had been a long time since I last thought about a good game of Tetris, and I had never even seen a Puyo Puyo before, but having these two games come together in such a way has been a true delight. This is also a perfect game to have on the switch. Great on the go when you just need to pass the time, but equally as good on the big screen with some mates to challenge.

There are a lot of cool ideas here; the crafting system for example is robust and interesting, but it doesn’t make up for all the issues the game has. Tie that in with the complete lack of originality and Sniper Ghost Warrior 3 feels like a half-baked attempt at the genre. It could have been great; it SHOULD have been interesting, but in the end it just ends up frustrating and disappointing. There are much better games in this genre, and there is little reason to invest in this sniper’s mission.

Housing over 180 cubed filled levels to solve at a bargain price of only $4.99, it’s easy to recommend Bye-Bye Boxboy to anyone who enjoys a good puzzle game.

Cities Skyline is a welcome addition to the Xbox One, and consoles in general. It’s a competently made city building game, one that hasn’t been dumbed down for those that prefer a console to PC. It may take a while for the game to open up and kick into gear, but when it does, there is no limit to what you can build.

Dragon Quest Heroes II is a solid sequel to a refreshing take on the musou genre. I love that Omega Force has been expanding on the style for a while now. These themed entries are often much more interesting than the standard ‘Warriors’ games. Still, some of the changes feel not for the best, and the combat started to drag on the longer I played.

Dawn of War III certainly isn’t the type of sequel that fans of the series may have anticipated, albeit it is still a title that is faithful to the Warhammer franchise. However, Relic’s gamble of adapting their franchise in a way that more closely aligns with the popular MOBAs of the day has largely paid off, even if the game does suffer from a bit of an identity crisis in the process. It was a brave, risk/reward move – while it may disappoint some fans, it will certainly gain others and gives the series a fresh look rather than replicating more of the same.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a hard game to review. On one hand, the value is insane. The tracks, modes, and sheer amount of content found in the game are unmatched. On the other hand, hardly any of it is new for those of us who bought the game on Wii U. Another factor in the mix is that the Switch simply is lacking another big blockbuster to purchase after Zelda, so MK8 Deluxe is certainly tempting. Either way the game is still just as fun as it was on Wii U, and that is the most important bullet point.

Without redefining the foundations of the original, Outlast 2 weaves an intriguing tale- paced expertly through environments that breed a sense of tension and paranoia only the best in the genre can muster.

In the end, The Silver Case is a strange, but interesting title. I can’t really fault it too much for its design. This is a game from 1999 after all, but some of the dialog choices made and what could have been fixed a bit in a new translation could have helped the hokey exchanges from time to time. While it’s not a bad game, it is most certainly an acquired taste, but when you dive into it, the story is what will propel you to keep going, and it’s actually not bad as long as you can look past the old mechanics.

A Rose in the Twilight is a title with a dreadfully oppressive atmosphere that stars a tragic heroine whose trials and tribulations are heartbreaking to experience. It features solid, albeit sometimes frustrating puzzles and an abundance of backtracking. It’s a title with a niche appeal, but to those that can appreciate a dark fairy tale and have the stomach to suffer through some disturbing imagery as well as some obtuse puzzle designs, this might be a flower worth cultivating.

When I started playing Talent Not Included, I was blown away by its tight controls and stage setting. Towards the end, I was still enjoying it, but my enthusiasm waned considerably compared to where it once was. Still, its unique presentation and complementary design does make for a good time.

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.

Sexy Brutale is a title with an intriguing premise, backed up by a story well worth experiencing. However, the lackluster characterization and singular, uninteresting solutions to its puzzles hold it back from greatness.

Now, while for the most part the game was inoffensive, it did feel rather boring and broken in some ways, but at the $29.99 price tag they’re asking for, I feel inclined to do more than just blow it off and ignore it. I now have to actively tell people to avoid this title. Even with the amount of races offered in single player, there is no way I would spend up to 30 dollars on this title. I would go as far as maybe ten bucks at the most. With the unfortunate physics, the bland presentation, and some broken mechanics, I can’t really suggest this game at full price. As I said earlier, ten dollars is kind of the sweet spot for this one and even then, it can be a stretch. It teeters on bad, but in the end, ends up being just bland and a bit boring.

On a whole this is one outstanding collection granted players come into it with proper expectations. Sure the original Duck Tales is a blast, but most of these games have not aged as well as one would hope. Still, I cannot recommend it enough, it brought back memories. From the music to the insane difficulty, I had a blast. The rewind feature allowed me to see them all, and the new leader boards and modes make it worthwhile.

The term so close, yet so far away fits perfectly here. I adore so much of what this game does, but the combat becomes its Achilles Heel. With some tweaking this could easily be a franchise action RPG I would gladly play every few years. As it sits now, the frustration kept me from enjoying the best parts of Shiness and its world.

LEGO City Undercover is a great game, and one many players likely missed on its first go-around. This is a prime example of a smart re-release. It also helps that each version is improved, and co-op is now an option. For anyone that missed this game on Wii U, there is no longer any excuse. Check out what I think is TT Games best effort in the LEGO genre.

Enter the Gungeon is a roguelike game that works for players who usually find the genre frustrating. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would, and while it might be long after the PC/PS4 release, Xbox One owners finally have a chance to see what the fuss is about. Don’t sleep on this game, it mixes the old with the new for a quality package worth shelling out the bullets for.

Troll and I was a miserable experience in just about every way imaginable. There are technical problems abound and the sum parts of its design baffle. Don’t play it out of curiosity, you won’t enjoy it.

With all the issues I had with the game, it doesn’t take away from the fact that Persona 5 is one of the best games in the series, as well as one of the best JRPGs to come out in years. The story is well told and exciting while still being emotional, the combat is fun and really engrossing and allows for some great combinations, and the presentation is both stylish and really fun. There is so much to do in this game that it would take another three pages to go over it all, and in the end, if I haven’t convinced you to pick this game up by now, I have nothing else to give you. If you’re an RPG fan by any means, you need to get this game. It’s a great time with both deep mechanics and a deep story. Not to mention, it oozes style the entire time.

To say I’m pleased with my return to the series after a brief hiatus is an understatement. This feels exactly like the Show I remember with some fantastic additions. The only thing that keeps it from getting higher marks are the online connectivity issues and some other small concerns (including some strange ball physics in the outfield that has led to a lot more ground rule doubles than seems realistic). If you’re a fan of the sport and you have a PlayStation 4 you have to buy this game. If you don’t, you’ll be missing out on a tremendous entry in this seminal series.

Remasters are part of this generation whether we like them or not. Bulletstorm is a game perfect for this trend as a lot of players likely missed it the first time around. The addition of Duke Nukem and all the DLC is nice, but the sticker shock is real. This is the kind of game that would have done much better with just a little lower price of entry.

With some notable flaws and lack of originality, the Ringed City is a bit of a mix bag. Even so, the new areas are fun enough to explore, and the epic final encounter is something that absolutely needs to be experienced by anyone that calls themselves a Souls fan. It’s unclear if this truly marks the end of Souls as a series, but if it is, it can rest well knowing it has left an indelible mark in gaming that will never be forgotten.

Viking: Wolves of Midgard is a solid clone of the genre, but ultimately feels half-baked. The asking price feels a bit too steep when compared to other games, but I did have a good time playing co-op. I just wish there was more, and it was more polished. This will be a great game when it drops in price, but for $60 it is hard to recommend it over others doing similar things.

Bullet Soul is a little on the short side, even by shmup standards, with only five stages available to take on. However, the Steam version is priced competitively, and like all decent shmups, Bullet Soul provides some decent replay value incentives with multiple characters to experiment with, additional gameplay modes and the never-ending high score chase. While this isn’t the most overwhelming amount of additional content ever seen in a shmup, Bullet Soul’s overall package and price point is fair. It should entertain newcomers and enthusiasts alike.

In the end, Anoxemia is a decent game with a really bad mechanic. Or rather, missing a big mechanic. A checkpoint here or there wouldn’t break the game, but at the same time, it would have made that game pretty short. I see why they did it, but that doesn’t stop the game from getting frustrating quick due to both restarting levels as well as not being able to actually control the one thing that can die and force me to start over. It’s a budget title, but even then, I would suggest either a price drop or an avoidance altogether.

Yooka-Laylee is exactly what Playtonic promised, and also exactly what I expected. While some of the levels are not great, the overall package takes me back to a different time where the genre thrived. For better or worse this game recaptures what made those games special, and frankly if it starred a certain bear and bird combo, it could have easily been a sequel to a game from that era. For those that long for collecting endless arrays of useless items, this game is a must play, for everyone else that grew out of that genre long ago, there is nothing here to bring you back. Except maybe for that music, my goodness is it good.

Snake Pass is a unique experience and a throwback to classic puzzle/platform games of yesteryear. It is a genre lost in time, and I am thrilled to be seeing a resurgence this year. For the price it is hard not to recommend Snake Pass. It is unique, fun, colorful, and challenging. Definitely worth checking out, even in this blizzard of awesome games hitting already in 2017.

Chaos Code -New Sign of Catastrophe- is a solid, albeit unremarkable fighter that plays well, and even though it lacks many features I would consider a staple in a modern day fighting game, the budget price point helps to forget what is unaccounted for. However, what can’t be ignored is the incredibly small player base where it’s a struggle to find a single match online. In a market steeped with excellent titles like Blazblue, Guilty Gear and UNIEL, just that one glaring flaw alone is enough to make it very difficult to recommend.

The Inner World is a solid adventure game that’s whimsical yet dark, and accessible to those who may not have much experience with adventure games. I think I’ll be playing through this again, somewhere down the line. For an adventure game, that’s high praise from me.

Monster Hunter fans should check this game out. It has a lot of depth to it while still being an accessible hunting game without all the preparation needed. It feels a bit more action-based, while still feeling familiar. At the same time, action RPG players will find a lot of fun here with Toukiden 2, and people always wanting to get into the Monster Hunter genre can find an easy time here. I highly suggest this game to action fans as well as fans of the RPG genre, and yes, I know how a lot of Monster Hunter purists are, but they should really try this one out as well. It may not be as deep in some aspects but it does have its merits. I can easily see myself playing this game for the next few months, and if you let it hook its demon hand into you, you will too.

The Nonary Games is a fantastic bundle with games that are both fun to play and very entertaining in the story department. Any fan of puzzles games and visual novels should pick this bundle up without a doubt. Even people looking for a great story should give this a look. It has the makings of a good “starter” visual novel. I can’t suggest it enough. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go play Zero Time Dilemma.

To the uninitiated to the wild world of Danganronpa, at the bargain price point only $39.99, there is really no excuse for any PS4 owner that isn’t severely adverse to the idea of reading to not pick this up. This collection features some of the most exciting and mind-bending adventures I’ve had the pleasure of reading, and it remains just as it was three years ago, highly recommended.

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.

I like this game. It plays really well, but the sexualized content is not for me at all. If this is your kind of thing, this is a great game to play. If you really can’t get along with the anime breasts, I would say stay far away from this one. Even then, the combat is a pretty well done.

Mass Effect Andromeda is a great game with some serious side effects. The bugs and glitches take me out of the experience at times, and some of the story falls apart, but the exploration and characters constantly drag me back in. It is a rough start for sure. I wondered a few hours in if I was going to keep going, but it finally sucked me in and never looked back. It feels safe, it feels like Mass Effect, but that is also what makes it worth playing.

It is hard not to recommend Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight to anyone craving that Castlevania vibe. I just wish it had more to it. The lack of upgrades and short lifespan make it feel half-baked at times. However, with a hardcore mode to unlock and neat hidden upgrades scattered throughout, it more than justifies its price tag.

Even with the WRC and FIA license, coupled with lots of content and a split screen mode cannot make up for the performance issues I experienced; resulting in a game that I am unlikely to go back to. If you are hankering for some rally action, I would recommend waiting until June to see if Dirt 4 scratches your itch.

Styx is a solid game with polished mechanics that simply fails to justify its higher asking price. Combine that with its release date being sandwiched between so many ‘must-have’ titles and it doesn’t even fill a void of having nothing to play. Still, it is a solid stealth game, and one that provides plenty of entertainment in its solid campaign. I just cannot justify the steeper price for what still feels like a lower-budget title.

All in all, Turok 2 Remastered is a decently done job with some minor improvements here and there that help with a few things. On top of that, the visual upgrade and new control scheme make it feel a bit modern and easier to play. So, anyone who has never actually played a Turok game before could jump right in with no issues. Fans of the series that are looking for that nostalgic feel can get it here and have a decent time with it. Just remember, this is still a 19 year old game.

NieR: Automata is unlike anything I have ever played. This being my first full playthrough of a Yoko Taro game, makes me want to check out his other work even more. This game takes the medium and spins it on its head in a way only video games can do, and it is a marvel to experience. Go into it without spoilers, read everything and pay attention to what it says. Tropes disappear in this game, and mechanics take on a whole new meaning. NieR: Automata is an experience, and one gamers should definitely take.

LEGO Worlds is a delightful game, and one my son absolutely adores. It is a blast to play, and outside some weird design choices, feels like a solid foundation for them to build upon. Also the price tag is just right, making it an easy game to recommend, especially with those who have kids. There is a ton of content packed in here.

Super Bomberman R is a decent game that asks too much to jump in. I get it, the Switch launch is lacking titles to purchase, but I still cannot recommend this title at its current price. I would wait. This is a fantastic $20-$30 game, and should have been priced accordingly.

The Switch launch lineup might be light on exclusives and new games, but this package easily stands out as one of the best in the bunch. For anyone who missed out on Shovel Knight in its first run, this is a no-brainer. For Switch owners who might have already taken down the Order of No Quarter, the new expansions make it more than worthwhile for a double dip. Shovel Knight is an amazing franchise I hope to see continue long into the future, and is one of the few games I have actually beaten more than two times in this sea of endless titles releasing. A must own.

Atelier Firis is an ambitious entry in the long running series, with many new mechanics and a larger than ever world map to explore. Unfortunately, the inconsistent performance and a poorly implemented alchemy system hinder the overall experience greatly.

Ghost Recon: Wildlands is a rather fun co-op game. It’s made for co-op and should be played in co-op. While I’m against the solo play, I will say that solo players will have some rough times trying to get the AI to cooperate with you. But with a squad of four players, tagging enemies, syncing shots, and doing crazy stunts like jumping out of a helicopter onto and enemy base just to see what will happen is what really makes this game special. There are some issues here and there, and while the game can be difficult, it feels fair for the most part. The run and gun shooter fans may be put off from it, but I highly suggest Wildlands to players that are looking for a fun co-op shooter with some more tactical aspects. There’s a lot here for anyone who likes making their own fun in a giant sandbox.

There are already a ton of great games in 2017, with plenty more to come over the next nine months, but Zelda is a once-a-generation title that I think no one should miss out on. Fans of the series will be in love, those that never managed to get into it will be enthralled. This is the next evolution of the series, and quite possibly one of the best games I have ever played. Do not miss this game.

Ghost Blade HD is a niche game for a specific crowd. Most people know long before booting it up if it is their thing. There is really nothing special about this game, but what it does, it does well. Fans of the genre have yet another hidden gem to check out.

The one on one fights are the worst part of the game by a long shot, but even then the fact that most things don’t change up over time really brings down the entire experience. Only big Berserk fans should try this one, and even then I’d say wait for a price cut.

All in all, Chime Sharp is still a great puzzle game that is simple to play and fun to learn. Those in the zone moments are great, and the constant feel of “just one more try” is here and just as addicting as the previous games. Any puzzle fan out there should add this one to their library.

Story of Seasons: Trio of Towns appeals more to the younger audience with its simplified mechanics, but it clearly falters in adding enough depth and satisfying progression to make the repetitive day to day cycle feel worthwhile.

Torment: Tides of Numenera impresses where it truly matters. The intriguing premise and a world filled with eccentric characters begs to be thoroughly explored from top to bottom. If not for the technical issues with the combat and the rather abrupt ending, this could have easily ranked with the best of what’s turning out to be one of the best years for gaming. While the issue of whether or not it lives up to the lofty standards set by Planescape is a question I’m not qualified to answer, I can say without any hesitation that Numenera deserves your attention either way.

Typoman: Revised creates a unique and clever experience that ends just in time to salvage a positive experience. The game may not be perfect, like Limbo, but it still looks and plays great, has a message that resonates, and is a genuine surprise in its own right.

There may not be anything ground-breaking on offer with Sniper Elite 4, but that’s not to say this game isn’t worth your time. It builds on the previous games in a way that feels subtle and natural, and Rebellion’s experience with the franchise means that whether you have been with the series from day one, or are just discovering it for the first time, you will be in for one hell of a treat.

For Honor is a unique game with an outstanding combat system. The problems it faces are its release window (I mean look at the games currently out or on the horizon!) and the dedication it requires. Casual players need not apply, as you will be slaughtered endlessly on the battlefield. I feel like For Honor will get a smaller, but highly dedicated fan base as it goes on, but for those looking for an approachable experience will likely fall on their own blade.

I feel confident in saying that Subject 13 is adequate and passable to those who enjoy the more open and complicated variety of adventure games, especially for the asking price. For me, the back half’s frustration far outweighed all the other things that it had going for it.

Halo Wars 2 is a great sequel, and being a fan of both the genre and the original game, I am extremely happy with how it turned out. Sure there is a clear microtransaction-heavy mode thrust into the mix, but when it is this fun I don’t mind. Besides, I don’t get competitive enough to get hooked on buying the cards. Add in co-op and the ability to play against solid AI and the package feels complete. Those craving that real-time strategy feeling that has been almost non-existent on consoles for a long time are in for a treat with Halo Wars 2.

All definitions of ‘game’ aside, Alone With You is an impressive affair that I recommend to anyone who has an affinity for science fiction narratives and/or interactive storytelling. Its tale is both haunting and human, incisively reflective and extremely well told.

Those who are used to the Dynasty Warriors franchise will at least be happy to see some of the characters that they love from the series, along with lots of nods and winks. But Omega Force’s difficult position of needing to please both fans of the franchise, while also trying to bring in fans of a different kind of genre, has resulted in a muddling experience that may start out promising for turn-based newcomers, but quickly turns stale.

From its gorgeous landscapes to its interesting combat, the game feels like a world begging to be explored. However, some of its systems feel half-baked and shoehorned into the mix, creating a lopsided experience at times.

Nioh is a culmination of some of my favorite mechanics in video games. The incredibly fast paced, twitch based reflex combat of Ninja Gaiden. The meticulous strategy and sense of discovery of Souls and the loot/equipment upgrade system of Diablo. It’s as though this was a game made specifically for me. If that wasn’t enough, Nioh manages to become more than the sum of its parts as something truly exceptional with an identity of its own – one that I simply can’t put down and it has secured a spot as the top contender in my game of the year list thus far.

I really have to give it to M07Games. They completely changed their game and made it much better. Sure, it still has a few technical hiccups here and there, but it still plays great, and with the much needed new additions, it makes it a pretty great retro-inspired game that I think fans of Mega Man and Shovel Knight should pick up. Especially at the price point it’s at.

Pixel Heroes: Byte and Magic simply decides when it’s your time to die and doesn’t equip you with enough tools for a fair fight. The combat is not strategic enough to justify the difficulty. The characters fleeting charm doesn’t justify the headache.

Phoning Home has some issues to it, and the first couple of hours are the roughest part of the game as far as exploration and pacing goes, but if you take your time with it and progress, the game does get much better. Originally, I was going to be so down on this game, but after putting some more time into it, I got used to the controls as best I could then began enjoying my time with ION and ANI. For $20, you can definitely do a lot worse than this. Just remember to keep an open mind before jumping directly in.