Hollow Knight will stick with me for a while. It blends a Metroidvania and Dark Souls in near-perfect fashion. Its tight gameplay as well as its fantastic look and music immersed me into caring about a mysterious civilization of bugs. If Soulsvainia is a new sub-genre, then count me in. Also, count me in for the next thing that Team Cherry releases.

Separate Ways is easy to recommend. The price is right, the length is nearly perfect, and everything I loved about the original is still here. The boss fights are fun and the story being fleshed out is appreciated. I cannot recommend this enough. A must have for fans and anyone who enjoys a solid single player action game in general.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses stands tall as a true step forward for the franchise both in terms of presentation and gameplay, which I am certain will propel the series to yet another level of relevancy and popularity.

All you developers out there who are just going to port over your games on the 360, take a note form Criterion. This how it’s supposed to be done.

Fast, frantic and fun, FIFA 11 is a master-class in how to make a sports game. Almost perfect in every aspect, it is difficult to see how EA will improve on it for FIFA 12.

If you've never tried tower defense and you want a great introduction to the genre, Kingdom Rush is perfect. If you're devoted to the genre and want to play the prominent examples of it, this is absolutely up your street. But if you've played one or two prototypical tower defense games and are looking for something new, Kingdom Rush doesn't have much to offer.

LA Noire is full of plot twists, great dialog and acting, and an experience that is like nothing I have ever played before. It may drag on a little towards the end, but each case is different enough and the characters are so believable and entertaining that you can't help but to do "just one more case."

I never played Okami in any of its previous incarnations, and I feel that this was an injustice and I think it is fantastic that Capcom have continued to find ways to bring this game to as many people as possible. It is also great that Okami does not suffer from the dreaded Switch Tax, costing just $19.99, the same price as it is on the other current generation counterparts. Whether you fancy something a little different, or want to revisit a classic then grab yourself Okami and have a howling good time.

Dead Space is the type of game that people will talk about five years from now about just how good it really was.

Still, if you're an RPG enthusiast and you're looking for an experience that's well suited to the iPhone rather than simply mimicking the console, it would be disingenuous to steer you elsewhere.

Even with the disappointing multi-player this is one game you simply must own if you are a fan of the genre. I cannot stress enough how incredible the campaign of Dead Space 2 really is. If you even liked the first one, the sequel is a must own on so many levels. The tension will have you gripping the controller and sitting on the edge of your seat for its entirety.

The Pinball FX2 platform continues to impress with each release. Sorcerer's Lair meets, and even exceeds, the high bar already set by Zen Studios.

I wholeheartedly recommend.So spend!

The game is fresh in a world of "me too" shooters. It may look like the average first person shooter game, but it is so much more. Effectively blending RPG elements, the stealth of Metal Gear Solid and Splinter Cell and the prey stalking of Batman: Arkham Asylum, Human Revolution is a worthy successor to the legendary series in a world where reboots often discard everything that made the original great.

Dragon Age: Inquisition is an amazing game. There really is something special about it. I know a lot of people were down on Dragon Age II, but this game redeems every issue you may have had with the last game.

An interesting conundrum. For what it is it is flawless. The representation of the famous foursome is impeccable and dripping with fan service. The selection of songs is disappointing, but with future DLC you will likely be able to enjoy all of your favorite tunes for a price. Beatles fans need not even hesitate; just buy the game.

As a remake of one of my favorite games of all time, Persona 3 Reload had a lot more to live up to than it was reasonably expected to accomplish. Despite the lackluster PC port and not including all the desired content in the original package, P3R marks a significant improvement from the original across the board, providing the best way to experience this timeless tragedy for the first or fifth time.

The only downside to Return of the Obra Dinn is that I foresee someone attempting to copy this game’s formula, and it will fail. There is not a single piece of this game that can’t be deduced from the information the game presents. I feel copycats will understand the general concept but not succeed in tying up every loose end like Pope did here. All four years of development are on display. Return of the Obra Dinn is a unique experience worth every penny. I can’t recommend this game enough. There is nothing quite like it.

It is a game that requires you to think, use different angles and timing to complete the game. It is a game that makes you sit back and rethink those strategies. But most importantly, it is a game that is extremely fun and addictive.

It proves that a simple style that we once loved and cherished can still be pulled off in today’s world of flashy visuals and 80-hour game time. The level design is fantastic, the music is nostalgic and the sheer joy I get while playing this game is indescribable.

Offering multiple endings and paths based on your decisions and who lives and dies; Fuga: Melodies of Steel takes the best parts of the story telling from Mass Effect 2 with the simple vehicle combat from Advance Wars and smashes it together with a wonderful RPG system, melodic music and beautiful graphics to a roaring success. Its not often that you find such a dark and adult story wrapped up in such a whimsical and beautiful package, this one could be a contender for RPG of the year.

For $6.99 on the 3DS eShop, if you're into painting and like some cool tech, this app is for you. The replay feature is really nice, and I haven't seen anything like it on a gaming system before. The ability to view the gallery is also a great touch. For painting apps, this is probably the best one you can get.

This is one game that should be on every sports fan's shelf.

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.

This is one game that should be on every sports fan's shelf.

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 Last of Us Part 1 is a hard game to review. On one hand it is still an amazing achievement all these years later. The story is fantastic, and the characters are some of the best. I love the original game and this remake doesn’t change that. Still for $70 it is a lot to ask for a game that hasn’t exactly been out of the conversation since it released. The removal of multiplayer is also questionable, but I guess it makes sense as players could still play that in the PS4 remaster. There is a lot to appreciate here, and truly this is one of the best-looking games ever created.

Like any good DLC pack though, this game also has some tweaks and fixes for the core game. Sure it was great, but it wasn’t perfect. Some mechanics have been altered and a few of the bosses have been tweaked. This really feels like the definitive version of the game. For those that already own it, the $5 for the DLC is a no-brainer. For fans wanting a physical copy, the additions and price are outstanding. Sonic Mania Plus is the best version of a great game. It feels good to be talking about Sonic in a positive light once again.

Fans of the series will no doubt hate the lack of traditional modes from previous games and consider it a crime that Crash Mode was omitted altogether. However, everything about Paradise screams quality and in turn delivers one of the best driving games released in quite a while.

An interesting conundrum. For what it is it is flawless. The representation of the famous foursome is impeccable and dripping with fan service. The selection of songs is disappointing, but with future DLC you will likely be able to enjoy all of your favorite tunes for a price. Beatles fans need not even hesitate; just buy the game.

While not for everyone, Abiotic Factor is a fun, new addition to the survival games space. Drawing a lot of inspiration from the more science nature of Half-Life, is something that I think a lot of people will appreciate. There are some bugs here and I don’t appreciate the lackluster controller options, but if you are looking for something new in the survival genre, then Abiotic Factor might be for you. It is currently in early access with no firm date for 1.0 which means it can go through some changes but for now; its pretty fun to play. [Early Access Provisional Score = 70]

Shadow Complex is an amazing game, and the 15 bucks this will be the best buy you do this year. Chair has a bright future ahead of them and after seeing what they could do with this game I can't wait to see what they could create if they were given the chance to make a big AAA title.

A refinement of the series that further evidences why, year after year, Activision puts it on a pedestal. If you enjoy shooters, you owe it to yourself to at least give Modern Warfare a chance. If you've been on the fence because of the die-hards, this is the year to dip your toe in the water.

The joyous sense of freedom in being able to engage and disengage a situation as I effortlessly transitioned between stealth and combat- the feeling of excitement as the awe-inspiring bosses and set pieces set the bar to new heights both in spectacle and design, Sekiro is a masterpiece that will influence future games to come for generations.

Dishonored is truly a gem in a field of sequels and "me-too" titles flooding the market. It is a new IP developed with a lot of the conventions of game design in mind. From the beginning the game draws you into the world and never lets you go.

Limbo will stay with me for a long time. It's art style and sound design are strong enough to have left a mark. I can guarantee, though, that I will not replay the game. There is nothing to draw me back.

If you love pinball, no one does it better than Zen. Although the price is only $10 (800 MS points) for all four tables, that is the only way to get them. If you want just one of the four, you're out of luck, but that shouldn't be a problem, because all of these tables are awesome and each has its own special concept that will have you playing for hours and hours to try and see what they all have to offer.

For someone who’s never been on board with extraction shooters, ARC Raiders didn’t just surprise me; it has fully converted me. It balances tension and reward with a deft touch, makes solo play genuinely compelling, and wraps everything in a world that’s fun to exist in, even when it’s trying to tear you apart. If you’ve bounced off extraction shooters before, this might be the one that clicks. It certainly was for me.

MK8 is slowly becoming one of my favorites in the long-running franchise, and it is a must-own for those who have a Wii U.

This is a dream come true for Mario fans and anyone with a penchant for designing their own platformers.

The sheer amount of polish in NHL 11 is staggering.

Dead Space is the type of game that people will talk about five years from now about just how good it really was.

There isn’t much wrong with Original Sin outside of the fact that there simply may be too much of it. In a time when games are releasing on a weekly basis, this is a daunting experience that requires the utmost dedication. Still, for anyone who loves the turn-based genre, it doesn’t get much better than this.

Dusk is the kind of game I could not help but smile while I was playing it. Every level was a treat to play and the accessibility options really open it up to so many people. The attention to detail in this port is also super appreciated. It really takes advantage of the hardware while not compromising the original concept. This is a game that every fan of shooters needs to play, and I cannot recommend it enough.

The best thing about the next-gen version though? The menus no longer lag – which has been a pet hate of mine for years. Yay! It only took a new console for them to fix that!

NHL 10 is the epitome of hockey games. Granted the changes are not as revolutionary as last year's game. What is here is the best experience a fan of the sport could ask for.

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.

With added quality of life features and improved pacing, AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES – nirvanA Initiative is an impressive follow up to an underrated gem and one that should be on the radar of anyone who appreciates compelling stories in their video games.

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.

Dishonored 2 is a great game that builds a believable world and lets the player use it as a playground. For those wanting a straight-ahead action game, this is not it, and even more so than the first, stealth is highly recommended. Still it is impossible to argue just how well the team has executed their vision. Crafting one of the most unique and engrossing experiences once again.

NHL 10 is the epitome of hockey games. Granted the changes are not as revolutionary as last year's game. What is here is the best experience a fan of the sport could ask for.

Hands down the best game in the PS3 library, and one of the best action adventure titles to come down the pike this generation.

The best part about the engine is that unlike Ghost Recon, which toned down the graphics in multiplayer, this game does not. You get the same beautiful graphics in multiplayer as you do in single player.

HD Remix is a superb edition of a timeless game complete with nearly flawless online gameplay.

Battlefield Bad Company 2 is by all intents and purposes a fantastic follow-up to the original game. All of the great ideas that fell short have now come to light, and the return of classic Battlefield online make this the game to own for online shooter fans.

It may be a little short, but for $15 players get a great story to add onto The Last of Us, and those looking for another reason to jump back into the game have just found it.

Monster Hunter Wilds is an exceptional entry in an already storied and critically acclaimed series. It features some of the most fun and engaging combat in series history and features a high-quality story campaign that’s very entertaining to watch unfold as well as an endgame filled to the brim with meaningful activities.

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 on the Wii breathes new life into the franchise. Everybody golf clap, Tiburon has created a very robust, non-boring golf game where sim meets sport in a scalable experience. WiiMotionPlus brings unparalleled immersion to a game brimming with content, and this Wii title earns its place among the greats as the Tiger game golf fans have to own.

Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart is one of the best entries in the series to date. It really showcases the power of Sony’s new console, especially with the SSD loading times and switching between dimensions.

For ten bucks, pinball fans will get a decent set of tables to add to the addiction. If you enjoy Star Wars or pinball in general, you may want to pick these up.

Doom Eternal is an outstanding entry in the series marredby a few setbacks. There is a ton of content including one of the best shooter campaigns I have played this generation. The push and pull method of the combat is addictive to master and a blast to play. Everything looks and sounds fantastic and this is a game that makes me smile as a fan since the beginning. While the generation may be coming to an end, Doom Eternal is one of the games that will send it off with a bang.

Vita has one of its first killer apps here, and it belongs in everyone's library.

With stellar Xbox Live integration and an almost infinite number of ways to play the game Project Gotham Racing 3 is the definition of what next-gen gaming should be.

Battlefield Bad Company 2 is by all intents and purposes a fantastic follow-up to the original game. All of the great ideas that fell short have now come to light, and the return of classic Battlefield online make this the game to own for online shooter fans.

Simply put, Torchlight II is a phenomenal game. It's incredibly polished, and everything just feels like it's in the right place when you're playing. It's tons of fun to play and never takes itself too seriously, and there are some great pop culture references sprinkled throughout. It's a great pickup for both action RPG fans and newcomers alike, at $20 it's the best bargain that there is in gaming, and something I would recommend to anyone without hesitation.

XCOM 2 does everything Enemy Unknown did and improved on it with more variations as well as some very interesting game mechanics.

Still, there is a lot of things to see and do, and if you are one of the five people that have yet to experience this game, there has never been a better time than now.

Star Wars: Rebels is another great table for the Zen Pinball platform. It’s easy to play and understand, and offers up a fast paced, high scoring track that really shines in some parts. Zen Pinball players should definitely give this table a shot, especially if you felt a little let down by the Age of Ultron table.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 is one of the best remakes of two of the best video games ever made. For fans like me who grew up playing it, this is what we have wanted since the series started its downward spiral in its later years. It feels like Tony Hawk is back for the first time in a decade. For those not familiar this is the best way to jump into the action. This package is incredible, and I hope Activision expands it with DLC for Tony Hawk 3+4 at some point down the line.

Horizon Forbidden West is an excellent sequel that attempts to pad out too much in its content, but the core story still remains remarkable. I love Aloy and this story continues to be one of the more interesting out there. Sony continues to deliver excellent first-party content and while the glitches did turn me off at first, the patch seems to have addressed most of the issues. There is a ton to love here and I really loved coming back to this world. This is a must own for PlayStation owners.

While the Dragon Quest 1 remake on offer here is a great reimagining of the revolutionary but somewhat limited progenitor of this massive series, I cannot sufficiently express how much of an improvement the Dragon Quest 2 remake is. For the first time, it feels like a worthy and critical entry in the arc of the series and not just a steppingstone technologically between 1 and 3. Dragon Quest I & II: HD-2D Remake is an absolute must play for anyone who loves this series or the genre of RPG’s as a whole.

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

The sheer amount of polish in NHL 11 is staggering.

Fans of Pokémon will be in familiar territory while newcomers will have a great time learning the ropes. It never deviates from the norm too much, but what X and Y does and does brilliantly, is the improvements to connectivity and game progression.

Black Ops is a solid addition to the Call of Duty franchise that really puts Treyarch on the map. You won't get anything original out of it, but if you liked what came before, then you will have a blast.

Deathloop is probably one of the best examples of really blending those rogue-lite elements into an otherworldly and excellent story, freedom of choice, tight controls and a delightful cast of characters all wrapped in a beautiful package.

It once again showcases that there are so many games and so many ways to deliver and experience them; and this is one experience you can’t afford to miss.

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is a redemption and course correction that the series sorely needed to compete against some fantastic FGs out on the market already. If not for the overpriced DLC and lackluster single player content, it could have been “THE” anime fighter to beat. As it stands, it’s one I’m sure to go back to play from time to time and eager to see played at a high level during the majors coming later this year.

The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings is truly an immaculate experience that fans of the genre should not miss.

I simply don’t think this stands as tall as Super Metroid, Zero Mission, Prime, Fusion, or even Samus Returns. But to a Metroid fan it is worth playing and realize that these are problems I found with the game; other people haven’t had the same issues. However, to anyone who has never played a Metroid game before, I don’t think this is the place to start. I think it feels too different from the rest of the series (neither a good or bad thing) and the moments in the story that hit really well only do so because of everything that has happened before in previous titles.

Super Mario Maker 2 is an outstanding game that is marred by some odd choices familiar with Nintendo games. Their online features still feel like a relic of the past, and with something that relies so much on creation and sharing it sticks out like a sore thumb here. Still, getting past that and knowing updates are on the horizon makes me comfortable in recommending this title. It is a pure blast creating and sharing levels with friends, and of course letting my son’s creativity run wild in creating new levels. The single player content is a welcome addition to an already impressive package. Super Mario Maker 2 is a fine addition to the Switch library, now can we please get that Zelda Maker stat?

Neva is quite the masterpiece of a video game. With its breathtaking art direction, engaging gameplay and moving narrative it is a game that will resonate with players on a personal level much like this years Tales of Kenzara: Zau. I have always heard great things about Nomada Studio’s Gris but I never game it a shot. Based on how good Neva is, I really feel like I am missing out and plan to correct that mistake in the very near future.

Obviously, if you already own MK11 in some form, going for this Ultimate version is a bit redundant. I would suggest getting everything you wanted piecemeal through your respective online store, but if you haven’t picked up this game yet or have just got yourself a shiny new system and are looking for a great looking, great playing fighting game, you just found it here. I highly suggest this title to any fighting game fan.

Guacamelee! is a fantastic game. It’s funny and well-paced, and even when difficult the combat and platforming never felt unfair, just challenging. Everything is nicely presented, and the game looks, plays and sounds terrific. Although I did encounter one large stumbling block it didn’t dampen my enthusiasm for this gem. Anyone who likes a good 2D platformer should check this one out.

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.

Monster Hunter Rise had big shoes to fill after coming off the heels of World, and man, did they come through swinging hard. They hit a homerun here, and with taking things from all the previous games have created a game with a great setting, fun and flashy combat, tons of customization option, and wonderful traversal. This is a fantastic game for both the newcomer to the series as well as the veteran.

This is an astounding game. Civilization has always been associated as the benchmark for strategy gaming, and Civilization VI is now at the peak. This is as good as it gets.

Simply put, Diablo III is a ton of fun. With five character classes, three unlockable difficulty levels and the Blizzard statement that 70% of the loot isn't available in Normal, there is tons of replay value. Anything bad I could say about the game is, in the end, a minor complaint, and none of it got in the way of my enjoyment. It lives up to the series pedigree and is the best game of its kind. If you like this style of game you should absolutely be playing it, and if you're new to the genre it's a great place to start.

It is one heck of a ride, and with the systems in place it can be one of the most rewarding experiences players can have. On top of all that, Capcom has already planned to bring a lot of the missions and special events to the PC version over time, and they’re all free. The PC version holds up very well and even if with its co-op woes still present, this is one game that no one should miss out on, and now that it is everywhere, you have no excuse to not pick it up.

Once again Nintendo’s little machine is getting love that the Wii U never got from third party developers and we are seeing so many great games make the transition to the Switch, with Diablo 3 being the best of the bunch so far, a near perfect port with an endless amount of content to keep you happy for as long as you like. If you own a Switch then you owe it to yourself to pick up Diablo 3 and go Devil hunting.

If you prefer to play solo like in WoW, or WAR, then this is not going to be the game for you. But if you enjoy PVP, and grouping up with a team to take down another team then this game is meant for you. But be warned, it is very easy to lose track of time in this game as the universe is so big you will quickly find yourself saying "Just one more planet to explore…then I'll go to bed".

Once again Image & Form continue to pour heart, soul and quality into their games. Steamworld Dig 2 is another near perfect entry in the Steamworld universe, and the enhanced art design makes me wish that they go back to both the original Dig and Heist and update them and release them on the Switch. I would be the first in line to buy them again.

Fast, frantic and fun, FIFA 11 is a master-class in how to make a sports game. Almost perfect in every aspect, it is difficult to see how EA will improve on it for FIFA 12.

In the end, Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus is a fun first person shooter with some issues here and there that was just enough to get on my nerves. It doesn’t shy away from the hard subjects, in both the story and the gameplay, and I think that anyone who enjoys a good FPS should pick this one up. It’s well worth the time and money even with the issues it has.

LittleBigPlanet Vita is a must own title for the platform. The series feels right at home on a handheld, and the new implementations made for this version are outstanding.

If one was to ignore the technical issues and consider it in isolation, Pillars of Eternity 2 could be deemed a solid game. Whilst on the surface it appears to offer depth and choice, effectively the content is relatively simple and linear. Nevertheless, there are some great side quests and locations to engage with, and a large number of stories and peoples to encounter. However, given the optimisation woes and the illusory depth offered by the main story, I lost interest in what I was doing fairly early on.

There will be times where you will turn the air blue and throw your dummy from the pram. However, there is nothing more rewarding than persevering and finally nailing a level (one level took me over 250 attempts). Joe Danger: Special Edition rides that fine line between frustration and fun perfectly.

There are a few performance issues here on console but that aside Talos Principal is an excellent puzzle based game that keeps players engaged and perplexed, a winning combination all around in my book.