Evil West is a strong game that simply lacks enough diversity to make it a classic. It is visceral with fun characters that never takes itself too seriously. I had a blast playing it, but definitely could have done with a little more variety. Still it is an unapologetic romp that is a blast to play. There are not a lot of games willing to focus on strictly game play and I respect that. Combine that with the setting that is also highly underused and this is a game definitely worth checking out.

Overall, I liked the battle system. However, it can get very overcomplicated, very quickly.

While I appreciate 2K not cutting out anything, I do wish they have toned down these aggressive portions of the game. Still, even with these issues NBA 2K21 on Xbox Series X is mighty impressive. The game is a graphical showpiece and the amount of content is undeniable. If you skipped the previous gen versions, this is the one to get. Those that bought the upgrade version are going to be pleased. This is the most impressive sports game launch on a next-gen console in years, and more than worth the price of admission.

The puzzles can be difficult and challenging, and don't mind kicking you when you're down. But if you can get past that, and enjoy trying to find unorthodox ways of solving riddles, then this game will really be one that you can hold near and dear to your heart, and you will want to eat all the pie you can get your grubby little hands on.

For the price tag I highly recommend checking out this sleeper hit. I was shocked at just how much fun it brought me out of nowhere.

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.

While I would have much rather have seen the more accessible and modern, “Xrd” to see release on steam, AC+R serves as a great example of the series in its classic form and notorious depth.

If there is a guide on how to make a sequel, Pandemic read every chapter a dozen times. Taking everything that made the first game good, taking out everything that held it back, and adding just enough to make it fresh is certainly a recipe for success.

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.

I was really pleased with this new offering of Uno. It’s one of those games that I will forever be opening up for a few quick matches

While I did have some problems with the multiplayer lag I would recommend Bioshock 2 to anyone who is a fan of great worlds, amazing atmosphere, cool characters, and fun action without hesitation.

A great game, it’s just not going to knock your socks off if you have played previous incarnations. Vicarious Visions seems content with simply improving the game as opposed to completely re-writing the formula.

Judgement is a game that was limited by its one console release. It is great to see the team at Ryu Ga Gotoku bring it to a wider audience. If you have never played a game in the Yakuza franchise this is a great jumping off point. It captures what makes those games so great without requiring a ton of investment in older titles to appreciate the story. There is so much to love about these games and I am constantly impressed at the way the team is able to craft genuinely fantastic characters and still pump out hefty experiences on a regular basis. I hope the Judgement series gets to continue, but as it stands this game is one worth checking out.

All in all, I am really encouraged by this year’s game. They’ve made some significant improvements on some important legacy issues that have held the game back for way too long. There is a ton to do here and a lot of different ways to experience the core gameplay. Showcase remains a highlight and the expansion of MyRise continues to flesh out the series as a single player experience. I’d like to see GM mode get a significant rework next year to make it feel like a more fully fledged option and continued work on the physics around foreign objects if you are a fan of wrestling games at all, WWE 2K23 is an easy recommend.

Still, LEGO Jurassic World is a fantastic addition to the series, and if it ends up being one of the last ones, it is going out with a bang.

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.

The small tweaks and new running game continue to improve upon the already outstanding foundation, but I can’t help but feel like the developers are being held back by older hardware more and more. Still if you don’t plan on buying new consoles, there is no good reason not to pick up the latest Madden NFL title. It is a solid outing that will deliver multiple seasons of fun.

If you have even a remote sense of twisted humor, I highly recommend checking out this game. It is definitely the best rabbit, saw blade killing, monster slaying simulation currently available.

Salt and Sanctuary is a great game- built on a solid combat engine and a world that begs to be explored. If it weren’t for the numerous bugs and the pedestrian difficulty, it could have been something truly exceptional.

I enjoyed the single player and slower pace of Code Fairy. I was finally able to get a handle on the combat and movement system that Battle Operation uses. But really the true cherry here was the fantastic story of the Noisy Fairy Squadron, watching this team start off on shaky ground but ultimately coming together and meshing as all good teams do was just the feel-good story that I needed to see. Its one that really resonates with people, and the fact that it's so well done and is an all-female team is a nice chef’s kiss.

Call of Duty WWII is a return to its roots. The campaign feels clichéd and the MP still feels like a CoD game, even without technical enhancements. Zombies delivers a visceral and fun experience, granted you have solid teammates. I feel like I go through so many motions year-in and year-out with these games, but one thing is for sure – I always enjoy myself by the end of them, and CoD WWII is no exception.

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.

With so many options to choose from baseball fans will no doubt find something to love here.

Even though the game is unchanged, the personality, the simple style of play and the blowing up demons into a pixilated bloody mess, plus the new episode make this game worth a purchase even though the multiplayer suffers from that inexcusable lag.

Evil Within 2 is how a sequel should be constructed. Everything about it feels like an improvement upon its predecessor. I had more fun digging into this 15-20 hour adventure, and would even consider replaying if not for so many other titles vying for my precious time. The genre is still poorly represented in the gaming community, so when a solid survival horror game emerges, it is best not to miss the opportunity to check it out.

I wish that NBA 2K15 didn’t have the netcode issues it has. Without them this would be a (pardon the pun) slamdunk purchase for all basketball fans.

Despite its few shortcomings, Fate/Samurai Remnant is a great addition to the Fate media empire that can be enjoyed by hardcore Fate fans and newcomers alike.

It is a skateboarding fan's dream, with you being able to jump into the unique culture, and creating a team and a character that you can call your own.

At the time of this writing a few patches have gone out that have corrected most of the larger bugs, but there are still issues with spawning too many special infected at a time and other little issues. While these things can be frustrating, they don’t destroy the fun of Back 4 Blood when playing the game as it’s meant to be. That is playing multiplayer with a group of friends smartly navigating a nightmare filled world. Those looking to have a single player experience on the other hand may not find as much here to love, while Turtle Rock is working to fix the progression and reward issue for single players at the time of this writing there isn’t an ETA for those fixes. So, for that reason I wouldn’t recommend this for solo’s just yet, however for those folks who have been waiting for Left 4 Dead 3, or heard about how fun the original ones were and never tried them and have a team ready to face the undead… then what are you waiting for cleaner? Get out there and kill some ridden!

Galactrix is a big game, more than your average downloadable offering and an engrossing blend of RPG and match three puzzling. The zero gravity board adds challenge and strategy, and the gameplay formula is so addictive and the quests so numerous that it is a difficult game to put down.

Furi is a game all about style and combat, and it nails both of those aspects perfectly. For Xbox One owners that didn’t get a chance to check it out when it hit PS4 earlier this year, I highly recommend diving in now. The combat is fun, and the world is interesting. It actually works in combining several game types and making them work. It is challenging for sure, but never unfair.

While not as polished as others in the genre, what it lacks in functionality, it makes up for with personality and blade mode.

Convergence is my favorite League of Legends side story thus far. Double Stallion did a fantastic job of taking a champions kit and realizing it in a totally different genre of game and made each ability shine. Ekko as a character has a sort of an infectious positivity about him and his willingness to aid a hand to help his city and those in need is something that we need more of in the real world. Full of cameos and easter eggs for League fans and having some genuinely fun boss fights against some champions from Runeterra there is a lot to love in Convergence for longtime LoL fans. Its solid gameplay, fantastic graphical style, and excellent metroidvania gameplay makes this game one that even those non-fans of the series will love.

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

A solid experience that fans of Resident Evil's twisted tale will love because it fills in so many gaps.

Regardless of the limited content, SUPERHOT is certainly one of the most innovative FPS games I’ve played in recent years, and well worth playing for anyone who’s tired of the same old formula.

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.

Urban Trial Freestyle is a rather enjoyable game. It frustrated me, and some things felt unfair, but that never stopped me from restarting the track for another shot at beating that ghost. The presentation and customization options are not too exciting, but they get the job done. If you’re into Trials-type games, this is one you may want to try.

Even though I wasn’t as big of a fan of the song list in XONiC compared to other DJMax games, the developers at PM Studios prove themselves to be back in top form with a slick package that plays just as well as it looks.

This game is not for the faint of heart, or those that have slower than lightening fast reactions. But if you crave a simple, fast paced and demanding challenge, then this game may be right up your alley.

Madballs in Babo: Invasion is chock full of fast-paced action that is certain to delight twitch gamers alike. If you enjoy online shooters and have a thirst for something a little different and inexpensive, this could easily satisfy your appetite.

Age of Mythology: Retold – Immortal Pillars is a great expansion for the series and feels like a celebration of Chinese mythology by not only showcasing excellent storytelling but also building on the top-notch strategic elements from its original release. By introducing the rich tapestry of Chinese legends and pairing it with refined gameplay and the stunning visuals, the expansion successfully reinvigorates the classic game for a new generation. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, Immortal Pillars offers tons of improvements over the base game and more to love about the Age of Mythology.

The visuals are absolutely incredible. As mentioned, the stages really pop, and the thick defined polygons really capture that 90s feel. The game runs at a wonderful clip and the colors simply pop off the screen. The music is fun, and the characters all have unique attitudes, even if they wear out their welcome quickly. Hotshot Racing is an incredible nostalgia trip that I cannot recommend enough. Game Pass owners should note that the game is included in Microsoft’s service, so there is no excuse not to give it a try. This is the most fun I have had with a racing game in quite some time.

Perhaps the games greatest accomplishment comes from building a solid framework for future iterations to polish to perfection.

There’s never a dull moment: Brace Yourself Games have created an experience where there is a lot to think about in terms of strategy, movement, enemies, traps and maintaining multipliers. However, the constant pull of Baranowsky’s compelling soundtrack always keeps things moving, encouraging the player to think on their toes and adapt to the situation at hand.

There is plenty of game to warrant your $60 and the flavor of the franchise is written all over it.

Now that it is here, I would be remiss not to mention my disappointment with some of its features. Still, the more I dug into the game, the more I found myself appreciating the direction the developers took.

There is plenty of game to warrant your $60 and the flavor of the franchise is written all over it.

Thunder Blade is well done arcade port with lots of options that help to modernize the experience. Like most other old arcade games, personal interest is really what drives the game’s value. For players who either remember the arcade original or simply enjoy the style, it’s definitely worth checking out.

An addictive game that really delivers a great bite-sized experience for the small price of $2.99.

Well now, so what did I think overall about Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands? Well, I liked it quite a bit honestly, the humor was good, the acting was excellent from the main cast and the combat was just different enough to keep me engaged and constantly looking for better spells for my ‘SpellBlade’ class. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the class system, Gearbox did a great job of crafting the classes and making them feel unique enough to fit in this fantasy world. While I would have liked to see more synergy between them ala real Dungeons and Dragons tabletop games there is just enough here to make players feel like they are contributing to the group dynamic. With some tweaks here and there, I’d love to be given the opportunity to play in Tiny Tina’s world again. She can BM for me anytime.

If you care about playing with Colts and Payton Manning, or you just have to have real teams and stadiums then Madden is your option. But if you want to play a good football game with the players of yesteryear then pick up All-Pro Football 2K8.

Gorn 2 is a solid follow-up to the original; the new weapons, narrative and physics add so much to the already established formula of over the top. Players can expect flying body parts, floppy weapons and some genuinely hilarious moments. The boss fights are lots of fun, and the narrative is a really nice addition to what Gorn 2 offers; I do wish it was a tad longer but as the entity known as Q once said to Capt. Jean-Luc Picard; “All good things must come to an end”. Gorn 2 is a great reason to knock the dust off the VR device in your life, and its coming to everything so there is no reason to not jump into the arena.

It is a lengthy adventure with a wonderful story that will keep you entertained through most of the game.

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.

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

A nice step back to the glory days of arcade action where dying really meant starting over. If you are a fan of games that reward you for perseverance than this is your cup of tea. However, casual fans will quickly become frustrated with a lack of continue and a set number of lives.

While the name may be confusing, this could easily be a blueprint for the successor to Ghosts ‘n Goblins, which is what it seems they set out to do, and they nailed it. If you are like me and grew up pulling your hair out at these punishing side-scrollers, this game is an easy purchase. It captures the magic, while bringing enough of its own charm to make it feel fresh. Plenty try to capture that magic, but few achieve what the team at Abylight Studios has managed to create here.

Forestrike’s ability to turn mechanical knowledge into meta progression creates a very addictive and enjoyable gameplay loop, allowing you to slowly get better at solving each encounter with grace rather than through brute force. While it does unfortunately fail to provide much when it comes to randomization, the combat system does a great job at carrying the experience, even if the game is overly punishing at points. There are still a couple of rough spots that need to be polished, like the hitstop being way too long, something that can completely throw off your timing when parrying, as well as the RNG for techniques being rough, but Forestrike is bound to please those interested in brutally difficult titles.

For those looking for that supplement to Diablo, Alienation should be right up your alley.

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

Little Nightmares II is a wonderful sequel that adds unnecessary combat to the mix. The journey is still worth pushing through just to experience the horrors the team has delivered.

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

In a seemingly overcrowded genre it is nice to finally play something that feels great and delivers simple satisfaction from the outset.

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

Puzzlegeddon is a solid offering for the genre, and one that is fully worth recommending to anyone willing to invest the time it takes to learn the system. If you are a fan of games like Puzzle Quest where there is more than just block matching then this is a no-brainer.

The game is quirky and humorous and full of things to see and do. So much in fact that it should keep you occupied for months on end.

Easy to pick up and play, CARRION is original, absorbing and entertaining.It also has an excellent soundtrack – it’s cinematic horror vibe is the perfect accompaniment for the bloodbath that ensues.

IREM and ININ continue to deliver classic arcade games to modern consoles, and I am here for it. While this collection doesn’t have a marquee title to boast, the games included here are definitely fun. I enjoyed revisiting these as well as playing something I had missed when it came out. I love these old collections and hope we continue to see more of them. Bring on Volume 4 and let’s get even weirder with it.

Wasteland 3 is a great ride and fans of the genre should thoroughly enjoy it. It’s an added bonus that familiarity with Wasteland 2 is really not a pre-requisite for picking up Wasteland 3 – the game is accessible and holds up in its own right. Whilst the player-controlled characters lack any kind of development, fortunately this oversight does not apply to the rest of the inhabitants of Colorado Springs. There’s depth to the game’s story and its setting, and for the most part decisions have consequences. With around 60 hours of content, Wasteland 3 is well worth the investment.

Final Fantasy X/X-2 is a monster collection of the series in the peak of its greatness. FFX alone set so many standards for JRPGs that still hold true today. Both games are well represented here, and it is nice to see them show up on Microsoft and Nintendo consoles. The price tag may be steep, but the content matches it pound for pound. If for some reason you have never experienced these games, get this collection. It is more than worth your time to see a genuine piece of JRPG history.

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.

Lollipop Chainsaw is an extremely eccentric game that builds itself around that idea. It never attempts to be anything it isn't and always remains fun throughout. I have slowly grown to love Suda51 games over time and appreciate their simple diversity from the pack. Having a fresh game like this is great next to the over-abundance of brown and gray shooters this market is dominated by. If you enjoy action games, and can take a little insanity, I definitely recommend giving this game a whirl. It is definitely one of the few games I played almost entirely with a smile on my face. It's charm is just how preposterous it really is.

Apollo Justice for the 3DS isn’t leaps and bounds better than the original with only a handful of meaningful updates to justify its re-release, but it stands as the definitive way to experience the classic misadventures of Apollo and Trucy.

Rocketbirds 2: Evolution was a fantastic surprise for me. Having never touched the first game (even though I owned it through PS+), I had no idea what to expect. In the end what I got was a mostly solid single player campaign, with a co-op mode that could have me coming back for ages.

The Last Guy has a definite personality and style that almost completely overcomes the fact that it doesn't exactly make use of "the power of the Cell". It may not pack a graphical whollup, but it is more than just a novel idea. With truly addicting gameplay and a healthy portion of silliness, saving major cities from zombies is hours of fun.

And while the story wasn’t the best, it was entertaining and that’s all I require from my media. Also, it should be noted that the controls have been updated from their old school versions which is a plus, all and all if you are looking for a creepy action adventure game with a cool main character (who is a brotha!!) and some interesting otherworldly mechanics then you should give Shadow Man Remastered a whirl.. or do it so we get a proper current gen sequel.

R.U.S.E. is a breath of fresh air in a genre that consoles have seemingly not been able to perfect. The inclusion of Move controls in the PS3 version really make a difference and even with a standard controller, the game plays great.

I love this world; the actual battlefields are beautiful upon spawning in. From the lighting to the landscapes the artists on this team have truly given us some spectacular looking playgrounds. Some of the best I’ve seen in an RTS game, sadly by the time the battle is over they will resemble a scarred warzone but still no less beautiful. The characters in the Usonia campaign were very well done, which was helped by excellent cutscenes and voice over artists. I am now playing through the main story in order to fill in some of these holes I have by starting with the DLC campaign, but I am loving every moment of it so far. I am so happy to return to my love of RTS games and found that in my absence the genre has grown and changed in a fantastic and wonderful way.

As a package The Bioshock collection delivers, but once again (as has been with the other two 2K collections on Switch) the issue of value raises its head. Yes, fifty bucks for three fully fleshed out games and all their DLC seems like good value. But only if the only console you own is a Switch. This collection released 4 years ago on PC, Xbox One and Playstation4 and as such can be picked up for a fraction of that price nowadays. The games also play much better on these platforms, with the PS4 Pro and Xbox One X recently getting a 4K 60fps update. I guess it comes down to whether you think having versions of these great games on the go is worth the cost. But for me, no matter how good these games are, I would recommend waiting for a price drop.

It's refreshing to find a new puzzle game that has a fun, light-hearted mentality. There is a lot of challenge here, but none of the punishing attitude that pervades the genre.

Asylum is one of the best games of last generation, and City is certainly no slouch (if not a bit too big for its own good), but for those that have beaten these games to death such as myself, this collection is definitely not a must-have in season full of stellar new IPs and sequels.

With significant improvements over the PSP version, the 3DS port of Corpse Party proves to be the definitive version to play, and for those in the mood for a horror game before Spooktober comes to an end, this nightmarish trip to Heavenly Host Elementary School just might be what you’re looking for.

R.U.S.E. is a breath of fresh air in a genre that consoles have seemingly not been able to perfect.

Samurai Shodown is unlike any other fighting game. I love the deliberate combat and how each fighter feels entirely unique. I wish the online was more active, but even the amount of single player modes and promise of new characters means I will be revisiting this for a while. If things like Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter feel overwhelming this might be the game for you. It is simple, yet deep in a different sense. It doesn’t require memorization, just good timing and understanding. It felt more user friendly than long string combos and the visceral attacks feel incredible.

The Sinking City is a fine game that is only brought down by the scale of the world. A smaller, more compact city with more unique assets would have gone a long way to reduce my issues with gameplay and maybe even the technical issues. When the only benefit to exploring an area with monsters and killing them is supplies that I need to shoot more monsters, I question why that is there and why I had to walk four blocks to get there. This is also Frogwares’ first foray into an open world title and maybe their next title will fix these issues. Regardless, The Sinking City is a great game that I am sure will become a cult hit, especially when it makes its way to Steam next year.

The Anima games are unique in almost every aspect, and in a world where everything seems to want to be the same thing, it is a breath of fresh air. I loved these games when they came out originally, and I loved revisiting them for this review. If you never got a chance to check these out, I cannot recommend them enough. Sure, they have hard edges, but once you get past those, both games are some of the most interesting and unique action RPGs I have played. Definitely worth checking out.

It is a very competent RPG with tons of upgrades and stat tracking. It really is a hardcore RPG fan’s dream.

For $10, you can get some decent fun out of it, even if you don't have a rod controller. If you're looking for a fun arcade experience or if you want to relive your old Dreamcast days, Sega Bass Fishing still offers up a pretty fun time even for non-fishing fans.

With a massive 55 mission storyline, tons of combatants and plenty of unlockables UN3 is another great addition to the franchise. Fans of the show will likely find plenty to love here.

It is clearly a passion project for the team at DICE, and it finally feels like it lives up to its ambitious design. There is little like it out there, which makes it easy to recommend, but also it is not a game for everyone. It is never overly challenging, combat is simply not fun, and there is little variety to the mission design. Still, I couldn’t stop playing it until the credits rolled, and again there is simply nothing else like it currently on the new consoles.

Horizon 5 is one of the most technically sound games I have played this year, but it definitely feels lacking in the evolution department.

There is just a ton of missions to play, lots of weapon unlocks, and if this is a title that hits it off with the player, they will find hours of content, perfect for those handheld bite sized moments.

This is action at its most raw and fans of the golden days of arcade games will definitely be in for a treat.

DiRT 5 feels like a game that is built to showcase new hardware. Still, if players stick with the frame rate mode it works just fine on the last generation as well. I cannot wait to dig in once I get my Series X, but even on One X this game is truly a looker. The game play feels fantastic, it just feels like a game that will showcase better on more powerful hardware.

This package is worth the price of admission for Planescape Torment alone. It’s a true classic of the genre and something that every western RPG fan should play at least once. Icewind Dale makes for a worthy counterbalance to the package overall and is certainly worth your time if you’re a fan of the Infinity Engine games, particularly if you enjoy the combat. All in all, I can definitely recommend this package for fans of this genre.

Planet Coaster 2 is a bigger, badder version of the original. I spent countless hours building parks in that as well as their other titles such as Jurassic World. These types of games just resonate with me, at least the sandbox portions do. I highly recommend this game, but if you have the option, go with the PC version just for mouse and keyboard support. It really does enhance the experience. Either way, there are dozens of hours of fun to be had in the world of Planet Coaster 2.

This is action at its most raw and fans of the golden days of arcade games will definitely be in for a treat.