Fear the Spotlight is a good first effort from the Blumhouse games initiative. It hits all the notes of a classic horror game with the hint of nostalgia for those of us who grew up with the 32-bit consoles. I am excited to see more and more of these drop over time and definitely recommend picking it up for a spooky weekend of fun during the holiday season.

I enjoyed the original Tails of Iron, its hand drawn art and the story is what really did it. Tails of Iron 2 delivers more but polishes some of the rough edges that the original launched with. The new setting of the game is nice as well as the additions to the combat. The best addition by far is the ability to dial down the challenge, I love that we are seeing these sliders more and more in “soulslike” games. Whiskers of Winter is a solid sequel, even if it played it safe by not really making drastic changes to the formula from the original.

A breath of fresh air to the PSP family.

If you own a Wii U, it is definitely worth checking out, if for nothing more than the smile it will put on your face, the entire time you play it.

Ultimately Paradox has created a brilliant and lasting experience in Stellaris; one that allows players to cultivate an empire that spans entire galaxies. It is both wonderful and appropriately grand.

If you were a fan of the WWE from 1997 through 1999, you owe it to yourself to check out WWE 13 out for the Attitude era mode and Superstars. It's an incredibly nostalgic trip through an awesome period in the industry's history. Current fans of the WWE will also find a lot to like here, from the huge roster to the cavernous depths of the creation system. If you are willing to look past the issues, you'll find a lot of fun to be had with WWE '13. Regardless of the future of the WWE license, there is some great single player content here to build on.

You'll never feel more like a badass and you'll never have a bigger smile on your face.

Xenoverse 2 feels more in line with what I wanted the original game to be, with its flexible combat engine, wealth of compelling content and an online component that actually worked properly from day 1. Even with the issues with the frequent crashes and the dumb AI, this is still a wet dream for DBZ fans and comes highly recommended.

The Foundation is a great expansion that I had to wait too long to play. I really hate timed exclusive content, and especially DLC. If not for a review code I might have passed on this simply because Control was so far out of my mind at this point. I am glad that is not the case, and if you are like me forgot this existed, it is time to remember. I cannot wait for the second pack and to once again return to the Oldest House to learn more about the Bureau.

Shuten Order is a game of great ambition, unfortunately lacking in execution and polish to properly shoulder the weight of said ambition. While there is a good story to experience and some great moments sprinkled throughout the adventure, the issues with its storytelling and half-baked gameplay elements makes it come far short of its lofty ambitions.

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

Granblue Fantasy: Versus makes a great first impression with its stellar visual flair but falls a bit short on the gameplay department with simplistic combat mechanics and a story mode that becomes boring a little too quickly.

Alien Isolation is a great game marred with problems that make it frustrating the longer it goes on, and it goes on for a lot longer than it should.

If you’re still holding out for season two, do yourself a favor and pick it up. It’s a tragic, surprising and entertaining ride.

The only other problem I had with the game was the fact that Metal Gear doesn't translate well into a portable game. When you spend 5-7 minutes in a cut scene just to do 2 minutes of game play, the portability is just not there.

Even with these subtle improvements the game is still the same package you have been able to play on all the other consoles for a while now.

Grand Kingdom features a vibrant and charming art style along with a surprisingly well implemented multiplayer mode. However, the lackluster story and repetitive combat that sits at the very core of the experience holds the game back from greatness.

Joe Danger 2: The Movie is a fun game to play. However, even with the change in scenery for each level, and the use of different vehicles, it can become quite repetitive over time. Much like the first game, some levels can be extremely frustrating if you want to complete every available objective. But if you enjoyed the first game, then you will likely enjoy this one. Just don't expect a lot of difference between them. Even with a few niggles with the controls, it is thoroughly entertaining, and there are hours and hours of play available for your money.

The biggest problem Freedom Finger runs into is its lack of variety. The story and humor carry it for a while, but by the ends I grew tired of its monotony. I wish there was just a little more to it. The game looks cool, sounds great, and plays wonderfully, and it looks and runs good to boot. I just felt like it gave little reason to keep coming back for more. Lean into the ridiculous and add more modes or outlandish power-ups to keep things fresh, as it stands this is a game that I picked up once and put down without any intention of coming back. Still, I loved the time I spent with it.

Aside from the small issues I had, one of which made me upset, I still enjoyed my time with the game. So much that I played halfway through it, stopped, convinced my wife to join me since she liked Until Dawn, and then played through it again. Oh, and my wife and I are wanting to play through it again to try out the opposite decisions. I still find Until Dawn an overall better experience, but The Quarry is a fun time especially with some friends arguing what we need to do in a situation.

Even though it is much shorter and less ambitious than the other titles in the series, “No Sleep for Kaname Date” is a good time, albeit with the stipulation that it should not be the introduction to the series for anyone and strictly for the fans of special agent Date and his misadventures.

Set in a world of wise cracking, battling robots, Robocalypse offers madcap weaponry and uproarious destruction, all embedded in a deep strategy war game.

Metal Slug Tactics successfully reinvents the classic Metal Slug series by incorporating strategic elements and roguelike mechanics. While there is a story here, it never really felt like anything more than a reason to continue to push the player forward. I mean ‘stopping a megalomaniacal man who is all about world domination’ is pretty straight forward. But where this game truly shines is in the excellent strategic elements, even if they are more difficult than I would have liked. MST might not be the return to the Metal Slug series that many fans are hoping for, but it is, nevertheless, a fun and worthy entry into the series ongoing legacy.

R-Type Final 2 is a wonderful follow-up to a classic series that I will always be down for more of. The steep price will turn off some, but once you get into the action it truly is one of the most satisfying genres around. I want more games of this type, but I feel like we will continue to see less and less of them as time goes on. I am always happy to jump into one whenever they release though and fans of classic shmupsdefinitely need to check this one out.

Theatrhythm Final Fantasy is a solid rhythm game wrapped in a shell of Final Fantasy. If you're just looking for a rhythm game, it's a good choice, provided you're willing to put some time into characters and skills to have the best experience. For fans of the series and the music, there's a ton of content here, with just enough of an RPG splash to get your fix. Great additions like collectible trading cards and unlockable movies make this an easy recommendation for fans of the series.

A solid, deep game it gets a lot of things right and is such an improvement over its predecessor it is an ideal pick for gamers looking to try the series - and a must have for gamers disillusioned with the last iteration's meager graphical effort.

Dune: Awakening is not for the faint of heart. It’s slow to start, merciless in its mechanics, and deeply punishing if you’re not prepared to think long-term. But it’s also one of the most immersive, lore-faithful, and ambitious survival MMOs I’ve played in years. It asks you to live in the Dune universe not just walk through it and that’s a rare thing in licensed games. For fans of the franchise, there’s nothing else quite like it. For MMO players tired of formulaic grinds and empty worlds, this is something richer, even if it comes at a cost. But be warned: if you’re looking for fast progress, you’re going to have a bad time. On Arrakis, everything fights back.

This collection is excellent for so many reasons and yet such a hard sell for so many others.

Jurassic World Evolution 3 is exactly what you’d expect if you’ve played the series before. It’s enjoyable, visually pleasing, and satisfying to manage, but it doesn’t reinvent the wheel. For fans of dinosaur park simulators, there’s enough here to keep you entertained, but the lack of innovation keeps the experience from feeling truly fresh.

For $24.99 this is definitely recommended, and almost required to make those family gatherings this season a little less awkward.

Shooters had a very long hiatus before the indie scene came along. Games like G-Darius used to be tentpole titles for consoles. It is great to see them return in any fashion and I could truly enjoy a new one weekly if it was possible. It is time for Einhander and Radiant Silvergun to make returns. Keep them coming and I will keep playing them. G-Darius is a must purchase for fans of shoot ‘em ups so don’t hesitate in snatching this one right away.

Still, even with the slight loss of frame rate during combat and lackluster end-game content, Tales of Xillia stands as one of the best RPGs I’ve played this year. Filled with charming and interesting characters and held together by a rock solid combat engine, this is a tale well worth experiencing.

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.

Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing is the kind of game that you expect to be yet another failed attempt to overthrow Mario Kart, but it ends up giving it a run for its money. It is certainly not as deep or as finely tuned, but it is definitely one of the better kart racing games to come along since the notorious CTR.

Where the game does really shine is in its presentation. At no point did I feel like I was playing anything other than a classic 8-bit game. The look, the sounds, and even the crazy storyline about a boy and his frog, the game is steeped in nostalgia, and remains faithful to the games of that era, but I cannot comment on how this stacks up as a remake of the original, having never played it. But that is where one of my problems I had with the game surfaced. Due to it being so retro in its style, the game story and dialogue just felt daft. At no point was I invested in the story of Jason and Fred, and had no interest in reading all of the text that was presented to me. Some people may actually take that as being true to the original, but for me it felt like a disconnect. But at the end of the day, as long as the gameplay is enjoyable, that is all that matters.

Outriders: Worldslayer is by and large a more complete game than its original release. The story and villain feel much more menacing, the new Pax systems allows more depth in character development and the new armor sets and weapons ensure that players are going to have new stuff to chase. All that good is still hampered in my opinion by a lack of world building and lore, the planet Enoch is framed as a dangerous and uncharted world and at times it can feel that way. But I’d love to learn more about the civilizations of the past, more about what happened to Earth; all of this can come with a sequel but as I said before they must sell enough to get there. And while I think that Worldslayer is a step in the right direction, I just don’t know if its going to be enough to keep people playing in the long term.

I'd even go as far to say that most hardcore players will find this expansion a little lacking with only 4 new characters and a rebalancing structure that hinders more than it helps.

Rev 1 is better than it was on the 3DS, and REV 2, even with its issues is a huge jump in quality compared to the Vita release. I’d love to see more Resident Evil games on the Switch so this seems like a no brainer. It’s a bit disappointing they couldn’t put both games on the cartridge, requiring Rev 2 to be downloaded separately, but it is what it is, and more Resident Evil is never a bad thing in my eyes.

Battlefield V was a nice return for me. With a few little issues here and there, I was able to look past them and get a nice multiplayer focused game that has seemed to improve a lot since Bad Company 2. Emphasis more on teamwork and class roles has given it an identity and is more than just a spawn, kill, die game. Battlefield fans should pick this one up, and I think casual first person shooter fans looking for a quick fix with some pretty great visuals can’t go wrong here either.

Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move is a fun, frantic puzzle game that I really enjoyed.

Fighting in Naruto: RoaN is such an important part of the game play that it has been given its own online modes.

All in all, I am excited to revisit and finally finish Deacon’s story and with the inclusion of the Broken Road DLC as well as the new Horde mode there is a lot of extra and brand-new content for players to explore. I just really don’t understand the wisdom of doing this remaster, while I am sure the fans appreciate it very much; I didn’t think Sony was moving forward with the franchise. So, to invest money in this remaster just seems like giving some false hope to fans that are interested in seeing more from Deacon and gang but who am I, just a black guy reviewing games. I am sure Sony knows what they are doing……right?

Truth is, $15 is a good price for a fun game, but I'm still not sure why you would choose to spend it here.

Overall, Persona for the PSP is great slice of RPG history, a very entertaining story with a great and challenging single player experience. If you like your RPGs hard and intriguing with a dash of complete insanity then by all means pick up Persona for the PSP today.

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

If you are a Black Ops nut, then I'm sure you will get your money's worth. If you are the sort of person who just dips in and out of Black Ops, you might be better served by waiting for the pack to go on sale in a few months time.

When everything is clicking as it should, EA Active 2 provides a great alternative to the gym. You definitely get that "sore but the good kind of sore" feeling that drives you to keep pushing yourself harder.

With new boards, songs, and game play modes, I can't recommend this title enough. The puzzle fans will get their fix, and the gamers just wanting a something to chill with for a few minutes can find their answer here. The game is just plain fun, especially in versus mode.

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

Instead of using the brutal realities of war for emotive gain it's a backdrop for cartoonish brutality, and I like that. However, creative strategy isn't rewarded and Trenches quickly becomes a war of attrition.

BTL is definitely not for the 15 year franchise, NFL obsessed, stat tracking, sim minded football fan. However, if you are looking for a fun football game that captures the more gritty and violent side of the game, it is definitely worth picking up.

A rhythm game from a time before they were popular. With its bizarreness on show for all to see, it certainly helps carry the game forward. But for all of its charm, the game falls down in the key area of control, making it difficult for you to see the adventure through to the end.

Overall, I felt OlliOlli was quite addictive and fun to play, and while I’m not the type of person to try to always go for the high score, it had me pondering, “I could get a better score than this” and going back to a previously completed stage.

With all the extra time between 2K20 and this entry, I expected several things. I expected the roster to be out of date, and it is. Many of the 180+ wrestlers featured here are no longer with the WWE (although that’s more WWE’s fault than 2k’s). I expected many of the wrestler characterizations and storylines to also be out of date, and they are (for example, Seth Rollins is still operating under his “Messiah” character). Most importantly I expected some big improvements, and while some of the items here definitely meet that qualification the game is still stuck in a rut with respect to AI and physics/clipping issues. There’s talk that WWE may look to partner with EA on future games, so this may be the last go around for the team at 2K, but if it’s not I hope that their focus for WWE 2k23 will be on fixing some of these issues so that the solid base they’ve built can actually live up to its potential. Hopefully I’m not revisiting that sentence again next year.

Capcom continues to treat their legacy games better than most companies, but their delivery method can be questionable at times. Still I had a blast with these games and would definitely love to see how weird it gets with a third outing. Fans of classic Capcom games will find plenty to enjoy, but this is by far the least impressive selection of games, especially considering recent releases.

The Pathless is a very solid action-adventure game, one that arguably is something that Xbox lacks. While a two-year-old game won’t set the world on fire in sales; I can recommend this to those folks who may have been waiting for this release on Xbox, the bright colors and almost anime-like graphics and exceptionally well-done soundtrack make for a chill and mostly rewarding experience.

Metal Eden doesn’t try to be everything. It isn’t a sprawling open world, and it isn’t a 40-hour epic. What it is, though, is a concentrated shot of kinetic energy. If Doom is the power fantasy and Titanfall is the movement masterclass, Metal Eden is the scrappy cousin that blends the two into something that’s lean, stylish, and just plain fun but repetitive.

Tormented Souls 2 is the rare kind of sequel that doesn’t try to reinvent itself. It refines, sharpens, and honors the formula that worked before. Dual Effect clearly knows its audience and delivers a polished, confident love letter to old-school horror. It’s atmospheric, unsettling, and just challenging enough to keep you hooked from start to finish. If you grew up with fixed cameras, ink ribbons, and limited shotgun shells, you’ll feel right at home. But if you are like me and have outgrown tank controls and fixed cameras, then this is one mystery that is better left unsolved.

The Wonderful 101 is my newest love/hate game. It does so much new and, well wonderful that I could never stay mad at it. Sadly it wasn’t the system-seller I had hoped it would be when it was announced.

World Tour does so much right and mixing it with the familiar Nintendo universe seals the deal. Anyone with a 3DS has yet another must-own title to pick up for the handheld.

For fans of the series, Karaoke Revolution: American Idol is a absolute must buy. The American Idol stuff is incredibly well implemented, and not just the quick paste-job cash in you might expect.

Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen is a game about moments. Encountering a brand new monster, obtaining a powerful weapon or when a Drake crashes your goblin slaying party with a storm of hellfire- all moments that are memorable and fun to experience. The issue is that getting to those moments are oftentimes an absolute slog of tedious stamina and weight management, battling the same group of wolves and bandits for the thirtieth time.

On the surface Killzone: Mercenary checks all the right boxes, with superb visuals and a robust online mode. Sadly the methodical controls and tacked-on campaign really drag down the experience.

I’m not going to lie; I LOVE everything about this game. In fact, the only thing I wish is that I was able to get out of the ship and walk around as Nara. Much like the Galaxy on Fire series all conversations happen in ship, unless it’s a cutscene. But even that is not really worth counting as a strike against the game because literally everything else is such a smooth experience. While the story can get a bit confusing, if players are fans of breakneck speeds, and thrilling dogfights in space then Chorus is going to be right up your alley. I cannot wait to see what Deep Silver Fishlabs can do with a sequel to this game or even some DLC, with the world that has been created here it really would be a shame to let it go to waste.

My Friend Pedro is as wacky as the name suggests. In a sea of games it is hard to make a splash, but Switch owners would be wise not to skip this fun romp. While it has some issues the pure joy of bouncing a bullet off a frying pan and into the skull of your adversary outweighs that frustration. I wish Devolver would put their games on more systems right out of the gate, as I think this game could easily make a splash with just about every gamer.

Wario Ware Gold is the best of Wario Ware and more, and a reason to pick up a 3DS again. It’s got a super weird sense of humor that isn’t replicated, it pays loving tribute to Nintendo’s history, and most importantly it’s pure fun. There’s plenty of game here for the price as well, with it all being unlocked the more it’s played. A must own in handheld gaming and a good sign that the 3DS isn’t dead yet.

Don’t Starve is all about trial and error. The first few play throughs often ended quickly; but with each passing game I learned something new and this, in turn, fueled my interest in the game and my desire to get it right the next time.

For the price at hand, this is a must have for Blitz fans and football fans alike. The sheer enjoyment is only hindered by a lack of customization options and, of course, the removal of some of the more violent content.

PGA 2K25 has a lot going for it, with a very satisfying swing system, a competently structured weekly tournament structure in Career mode, and a dizzyingly complex course creation suite. It’s a shame that the game is a bit lacking in the presentation department, with everything outside of the oncourse gameplay feeling a bit shallow in MyCareer. It’s also a shame that this is another franchise from 2K cursed by the scourge of microtransaction based player progression. As it stands, if you’re willing to grind it out and your primary concern is everything from the tee box to the flag you’ll have a great time here. If you’re looking for a more satisfying deep dive into the life of a Tour professional, without the predatory currency shilling, you’ll have to wait and see what they come up with for the next iteration.

Atelier Lulua is a solid, albeit safe final entry in the Arland quadrilogy that does an admirable job of bidding farewell to a lovable cast of characters.

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.

Despite coming from a development studio that most people see as a one-series company, Blue Reflection: Second Light is a charming RPG with a clear identity of its own with a worthwhile story to tell and I’m glad I had the opportunity to check out after missing out on the original.

This is the RPG that PSP fans have been clamoring for since the system launched.

All in all, Cladun is a fantastic game that will become quite addicting. The game is perfect for pick-up-and-play gamers.

While some may argue that it doesn’t feature the same depth of the EA title I found myself enjoying 2K’s offering much more.

Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Edition is a game with a very specific audience – those who are familiar with the inner workings of D&D and/or played the game when it first came out. It’s not that newcomers can’t enjoy it, but the game almost deliberately stacks the deck against them.

Undead Labs has created what I truly wanted out of something like The Walking Dead as a video game, and anyone who is a fan of that type of drama should definitely check it out. Be aware of the technical issues going in though, they will be the one thing that can truly hold this title back.

Headlander is a unique take on a familiar genre, and one that works thanks to its design. The humor is classic Double Fine, and even a bit dark at times, but it succeeds in what it sets out to do. The progression is great, and the challenge is there, but never unfair. For those that missed this game on PC or PS4, now is the time to dive in. This is one trip worth taking.

Retro/Grade is a fresh take on a stale genre. If you ever loved those types of games I recommend checking out this unique PSN gem. For the price of admission you certainly can't go wrong, and hopefully we get some expansive DLC in the future to go back for more.

The only real complaint I had with Gunbrella was the map system, I always felt like I was lost as I wandered around cities, sewers and more, but due in large part to the fun of traversal with the Gunbrella I never really was too angry at being lost. A large part of Gunbrella’s charm for me is its atmosphere, as I said I love the noir genre; so much so that I am writing a neo-noir novel, so I thoroughly relished my time with Gunbrella. From its beautiful pixel graphics, its fantastically smart writing, and its amazing soundtrack, Gunbrella is yet another great game in the sea of great games that is otherwise known as 2023.

Far Harbor has lots of new content and it’s great to return to Fallout 4. A dark, seedy, and just creepy island with a interesting back story only had me wanting to explore the world more and more.

When it’s all said and done Under Night as a whole is a great fighting game. Although, I d have a small issues with the $49.99 price tag when the previous version was only half of that. With the [st] version out with new fighters, new mechanics, and a much needed full tutorial with challenge modes it makes this the best version yet. I highly suggest checking this game out for hardcore fans of the fighting game genre. It’s fast, fun, complex, and very stylish. If you’re not that big into fighting games, you may want to look elsewhere. This has the potential to be an easy to learn game, but it will take a lot of patience and practice to hold your own online.

Even with these quirks Trap Team is still the best game in the series to date.

The learning curve is not very steep, and newcomers to the series shouldn’t have any problems grasping the gameplay, especially if they listen to Anna.

If you aren't scared off by the incredible depth, there is a lot of fun to be had in Disgaea 3. The game makes a smooth transition to the handheld arena, and it is a solid choice for killing either 10 minutes or an hour.

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

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

I think the biggest standout is the atmosphere. For a game that has nearly cartoony visuals and NO gore at all (this game is rated T) it still hit those tension marks I would expect from a good horror game. I was thoroughly surprised with the entire experience and just in time for the Halloween season. This is one game that I recommend whole-heartedly for anyone looking for a good psychological horror game that focuses more on exploration and puzzles than full on combat. Don’t sleep on this one. It’s pretty great.

Shadows of the Damned is the definition of a cult classic. The game is just fun, and I adore the wackiness I expect from Suda51 mixed with the core game design from MIkami. Toss in the excellent voice acting and score, and you have a game that should be a household name. Do not skip this title for a second time. Give it a shot, I promise you will play nothing else like it…ever.

Of course, fans of the series still need to pick this episode up, and from looking back at the entire season, this is still a decent addiction to an already great series. Just keep in mind, you can’t save everybody, and even if you try, don’t be surprised if someone dies anyway. This is The Walking Dead after all.

When all is said and done SNK has done a remarkable job of bringing seven of the greatest arcade games ever created into one neatly organized package and made it affordable.

If you're looking for a new way to play your old tunes it's a fun change of pace, but newcomers probably won't find enough here to merit a purchase.

Each game has a wicked atmospheric soundtrack, subtle creepy effects, and downright scary moments, though the first game will still be considered the best by many players. I personally enjoy all of them in their own way, but the gameplay and length is definitely preferred overall in Amnesia: Dark Descent. Visuals didn’t seem to get much of an upgrade from the PC but it does appear at least the first two games run at 60fps to match it.

If you enjoy a fun beat ‘em up and have a few friends that don’t mind a ton of gore, Charlie Murder is a pretty good bet.

Despite its age, Melty Blood is a deep and engrossing fighter with a lot to offer. Whether it’ll have a lasting place in this ever shifting anime fighters market is unclear but I’m glad to see it finally released in the States all the same.

It is well worth the 800 points just to blast around for a little while when you aren’t playing CoD4 or Halo 3.

If not for the rather terrible framerates and muddy visuals, Atelier Shallie Plus could have proven a true redemption for what I consider to be the worst game in the series. Still, it is a notable improvement in terms of content, with many more events and playable characters. If you have a high tolerance for poor performing games and feel the need to see everything that transpires in the last episode of the dusk trilogy, do so with a Vita instead of your PS3.

With its walk-in-the-park approach to gameplay, Keflings will launch a sneaky assault on your time, and before you know it you will easily have whiled away hours with the title. Where it may miss, however, is whether or not you will be keen to pick it back up and see it to its meandering conclusion.