While the story is a bit too predictable for my tastes, everything from the visuals to the combat felt very polished from beginning to end. It’s quite unfortunate that this is likely the last game Imageepoch will release, but perhaps they will rest well knowing that they went out on a high note.

Hearts of Stone is a fantastic addition to the Witcher 3 world that feels as if it was always a part of the game. It keeps up with the quality that one would expect. It’s refreshing in dialog, hilarious at times, inventive in its quests, and even after 70 plus hours in the core story, coming back to this world was extremely easy and welcomed.

There’s a lot to like in the world of Zestiria, and fans of JRPGs will no doubt find a lot to like here, but at the end of the day it’s still just another Tales games. Nothing more, nothing less.

It has issues, but ones that I can easily overlook, not just to throw caution to the wind but because it just didn’t affect my overall thoughts and feelings while playing the game.

Unless you have a desire to inflict pain upon yourself, steer clear of Forced. If you fancy some fun multiplayer action, there is a much better 4 player co-op shooter out there (once again, check out my Crimsonland review!).

There’s a ton of things to do and remember in this game, and while I enjoy what it does, it never really explains much of it. It took me way longer than I wanted to actually learn how to build and maintain my bases, and the tutorial is minimal at best.

Rise of the Tomb Raider is a stellar title for the fall season, and a sequel that addresses most of the complaints about its predecessor. Crystal Dynamics is really knocking it out of the park with the reboot of Lara Croft and I cannot wait to see how it evolves over time. Anyone with an Xbox One needs to pick this title up. It once again makes a solid case for my top ten list of games of the year.

MX vs. ATV Supercross Encore is a bad game. This hurts me considering I have been an avid fan of Rainbow’s titles since the PS2 era.

Even with its missteps, I really enjoyed Need for Speed. It tried to return to form in some aspects and it really scratched that itch I was looking for with a car customization game.

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.

Rodea the Sky Solider has an interesting story and cast, with a colorful world that is fun to fly around in. Yet that flying around should feel even better, and it just lacks that polished feeling.

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.

Obviously, fans of Borderlands will get much more out of it, but even if you haven’t played the first person shooter RPGs, you’ll still have a great time seeing this world in the eyes of a couple of cons. It is well acted, has tons of style, and brings a great story to the table.

If you want a fun arcade racing game like this, I say stick to Super Off Road. The fact I’m suggesting playing an NES game over a current generation game says it all.

For anyone that missed the original release of Darksiders II, I implore you to give it a go this time around. It is a fantastic game that stands the test of time. I know this is the season for all the new, big games to drop, but if you never got to step into Death’s grimy shoes, I cannot recommend this game enough.

Adventure Time Finn and Jakes Investigations is a better game than I ever expected. It’s a bold move to take a franchise that has as many kid fans as adults and make it a point and click title. Some simply have no patience to solve puzzles or explore and listen to every bit of dialog.

Overlord: Fellowship of Evil is disappointing in a time when no game can afford to even be mediocre. Fans of the original games may be tempted to give it a chance, but I implore you to avoid this game at all costs.

While not exactly the swan song to send this tragedy off to the ever after in satisfaction, fans that have kept up with this cult favorite will be pleased to see how it all plays out.

Halo 5: Guardians is a fantastic step for the series. 343 Industries proves it knows the series, and this being the first official game on the Xbox One,

Its feels more suitable to be a game you’d play on your phone or on a tablet versus consoles, but it’s still enjoyable while it lasts.

At the end of the day, Rising Tide accomplishes precisely what it needed to for the Civilization franchise: it provides a good reason for those players who drifted away to potentially jump back into Beyond Earth, and it provides a timely injection of new content for those players who needed something more to continue sticking around.

If the idea behind the game interests you enough, read the book it’s based off of instead.

In the end, Saint Seiya: Soldier’s Soul is really for the fans of the series.

This final episode does some really interesting things, wraps up everything in an emotional way, and leaves me thinking about it even hours after seeing the final scene. If you haven’t played through this game yet, do yourself a favor and do it. Hopefully, you’ll feel the way I have throughout this adventure.

Crimsonland is now up there with Super Stardust HD as one of my favourite twin-stick shooters. It may not blow you away with the visuals, but looks certainly don’t matter when it’s packing this much content. Added to the fact that the Xbox One version includes new content, this is a must buy for fans of the genre and for those looking for a fun co-op experience.

Even though Prison Architect has its share of flaws and limitations, it’s still a fun experience I’m sure fans of the genre will enjoy.

It’s still Assassin’s Creed to its core, and won’t bring in any new people or those that completely have tired from the franchise. Yet I can proudly say Syndicate sits right behind Assassin’s Creed 2, Brotherhood, and Black Flag as my favorites out of the franchise.

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.

All in all, this is a pretty great pack that has some really well done tables in it. There are a few hiccups with the Archer table, and while it wasn’t my cup of tea, people have different tastes in pinball tables. Even then, there is a lot to have in the Balls of Glory pack. Zen Pinball players should pick this up without a doubt. More pinball is always a good thing and Zen knows how to make some fun tables.

A lot of the issues with GHTV is that it is confusing to understand how it works within the game. Players are used to just buying songs a la carte. The new six button setup will also throw players for a loop. Again, I totally respect the new direction, but the familiar tones of its competitor really draw me to prefer that offering. Plus I can play what songs I want, when I want.

Yes, it still does retread a lot of what the series has always been known for, and can comes across feeling as more of the same. This doesn’t matter though, Fatal Frame has been the top tier of ghostly survival horror adventures, and Maiden of Black Water proves you can’t keep a good franchise dead, even when that’s what its entire premise is about.

Motorcycle racing fans should give this one a shot. There’s a lot of content in here for the bike enthusiasts to enjoy.

Transformers: Devastation is a fantastic trip down memory lane for fans of the Generation One cartoon. As a video game, the combat is extremely satisfying, if not a tad repetitious.

Elite: Dangerous is a massive game. I can’t even begin to talk about how many star systems there are in the game, and you can go to them all if you choose to do so. That statement is both what defines this game as well as holds it back, but it only does that for the first few hours.

DB:FC falls short in being able to compete with the big boys in the anime fighting game scene as an overall package but when viewed strictly from the accessibility and depth of its combat engine, it’s most definitely a contender.

As it stands 2K is still a definite buy for basketball fans in general and especially for would be GM’s or owners.

Dragon Quest Heroes is just fun. The visual style is gorgeous, and the game play hits all the right notes with some fantastic pacing. Fans of the genre should definitely check it out, but even those usually put off by it, should definitely keep an eye on it.

It’s not the most user-friendly game at the start, especially for those having never played the genre before, but if given the time, will grow on players immensely.

For the hardcore JRPG fans, There’s some good to be had here but only if you’re willing to wade though some pretty rough mechanics and difficulty.

Omega Force has become a machine at crafting these, and for those not yet tired of the setting, there is still a copious amount of fun to be had here.

Current players get the Destiny they’ve always wanted, and new players get to experience the best iteration of the game.

The core skating feels good, but never satisfying, and everything surrounding it just feels flat. I wanted this to the be the resurgence of the series, but it feels more like a budget game wrapped in a AAA game price.

FIFA 16 has a few nice additions, but failure to fix some of the franchise’s ongoing problems, along with a massive focus on FUT leaves it feeling stale; especially seeing as PES seems to be scoring highly in reviews.

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.

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

While Cross of the Dutchman doesn’t offer much innovation in terms of gameplay, Triangle Studios still manages to infuse a great deal of originality and heart into their small but feisty game which, while short, is packed with life.

Penarium is a great title that channels that addictive nature of “just one more” in its game play. It is just challenging enough to keep me coming back, and forgiving enough to annoy me at times.

Guns, Gore, and Cannoli is a great, if not short romp. The art style pops and the game play is smooth. Just be aware that it can get frustrating attempting to fly solo. Outside of that I definitely recommend checking it out. It knows what it is from the first level and never tries to be anything else.

Afro Samurai 2: Revenge of Kuma: Vol. 1 is a bad, bad game. I hope the developers take note and fix these issues before releasing the next two volumes, but it almost feels beyond broken.

It’s a hectic game that can get overwhelming at times, but still a lot of fun when taking out multiple ghosts with a well placed shot.

I’m a huge zombie fan and have been for years. I never thought I’d get to see a game combine these two elements together to include an extremely humorous tale.

In the case of Undertale, I can’t think of one particular flaw or a way it could’ve been made more enjoyable. As is, it is as perfect as anything could be in this imperfect world of ours.

While not for everyone, PES 2016 is actually a very well done game. I learned a good amount, but am by no means an expert. I was able to get a good feel for the game and was able handle some matches on the easier difficulty. This is still very much a soccer fan’s game, and while it has the tutorials, the game is not very beginner-friendly. At the same time, what it does, it does very well and looks great while doing it. Any fan of the sport should definitely check it out.

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

Pumped BMX + had the potential to be a solid recommendation, but it’s frustrating design and lack of fun really drag it down. I have no problem with mobile games getting the port to consoles; I just expect them to receive some care to make that port worthwhile.

Giana Sisters: Dream Runners is not a good game. There are many missteps in the mechanics and the overall feel of the game.

The series is getting long in the tooth, but I still think it has plenty left to offer, and if they continue with the vehicles in future games, I hope they iron out the problems presented in this version.

From its abysmal combat to its shoddy randomly generated dungeon, I really could not stop playing “I Can’t Escape: Darkness” fast enough. I’m sure there are some masochists out there that enjoy this sort of game, but I’m certainly not one of them.

It might take the game a bit to get going as it introduces the characters one by one, but it’s a point and click fantasy adventure worth taking, warts and all.

Disgaea 5 could have easily been one of the best games in the series if it wasn’t for the missteps in the post-game content, but even with those faults, the solid SRPG foundation along with a few exciting new tweaks/additions makes it a worthwhile experience all the same.

Persona 4: Dancing All Night proves yet another success in branching out to another genre for the folks at Atlus. If not for the relatively short list of songs and lack of multiplayer, this could’ve easily been the premier rhythm game on the Vita.

One of the best sci-fi stories I’ve ever experienced in a videogame and one that can get under your skin.

Senran Kagura 2: Deep Crimson knows what it is. It never apologizes for that, I just wish it was a better game.

STAIRS is filled with some really awesome moments and ideas, it just doesn’t end well and is rather short. If you can look past those issues though, you’re going to have a scary time.

I judged Dropsy thinking it was going to be a kid’s game with little no challenge, randomly hugging people, and grow tiring. Instead I got a really interesting yet odd and colorful world to explore, a huge smile on my face, and a game that ultimately made me happy to see Dropsy love so many.

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

While it is a decent idea and concept, I still feel that Beyond Eyes is far too slow and unsatisfying when it comes down to the end.

Forza Motorsport is a game I rarely get excited about playing, but almost every time I dive in, it gets better.

Roguelike fans will have some fun in Quest for Dungeons, just keep in mind, this roguelike doesn’t mess around and when you die, you start over from scratch.

Surprisingly fun, both in single player and co-op mode, Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime is a gem.

On one hand I love the game play. Building up Mother Base, the missions, the stealth and gunplay all feel so refined. The open-world sandbox is endless fun. The Metal Gear portion though sadly disappoints. The boss fights are lackluster, the cut scenes are not as wacky and outlandish as I expected, and the story never really grabbed me.

Mad Max the game isn’t only a fantastic time, it’s a great addition to the franchise, and one of the few games that completely destroys the expectations that a movie based game has to be bad.

That said, if you like point and click adventure games with mystery, good puzzles, humor, and a little bit of history, Broken Sword 5 is exactly what you’re looking for.

I just think Goat Simulator might have peaked. I had a lot of fun in the world, but the novelty is wearing thin, and adding tasks that are more frustrating to complete doesn’t enhance the experience.

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.

While I had my issues with the game, Pirate Warriors 3 was still a fun ride. The style and the action are both fun and look great, and any Warriors fan should take a look at it.

I Am Bread seems to have been developed for crazy people, or for those that hate themselves. Sure, there is a challenge to be found here, but the rewards don’t justify the means. It simply doesn’t compare to its peers. It has none of Octodad’s humour and none of Surgeon Simulator’s irony.

The Deer God mostly stumbles over its random nature and lack of explanation. It is the kind of game that is best enjoyed with a FAQ explaining all the systems and how to progress. Still, even with that the random nature really drags down some of the quests.

This is a cutesy game with pretty much an entire Japanese soundtrack and theme. If you’re into this type of game, then you’ll enjoy it. If you’re not, then you won’t.

With its simple design and helpful tutorials, Nova-111 is easy to get in to, but don’t be too surprised if the game doesn’t hold your attention for too long.

Those who really liked Dishonored and want to try it again on the new systems can have a decent time with the Definitive Edition. People who missed out get a complete package, but need to keep in mind that this game is not easy, and manually saving after each section will become a priority while playing.

So long as the player expects nothing more from Xeodrifter than what it is very upfront about providing in terms of content, retro-aesthetic and gameplay, then it will be hard to feel disappointed after playing this game. It’s not perfect, but there is a sincerity here that is likely to charm even the most skeptical of gamers.

Trine 3 is an absolutely charming and wonderful game. If you have two other friends and want to play this together, it’s absolutely a must.

Without a doubt, this is a great party game that has all the makings for a must have Wii U title. I can’t suggest it enough.

Once again Madden comes highly recommended for fans of the pigskin, and as always, kicks off the best time of year to be a gamer.

Velocity 2X is a fast-paced game that trips over its own complex mechanics at times; especially when trying to achieve higher scores. Still players can still enjoy the entire game without fear of having to perfect each level.

Octodad is a clever game that is fun in the same sense something like Goat Simulator is. It is hilarity, physics-based mayhem that is entirely random. The difference here is that the developers tried to streamline it with actual objectives and level progression, which can lead to frustration.

If you’re into the old school side scrolling shooters like Contra and Metal Slug, this is a game that needs to be played, and the 3DS version is the best one to do that.

Despite the drastic change in gameplay styles, Ultra Despair Girls succeeds not only in staying true to the overall tone and feel of the series, but also in providing a fresh experience to the fans that might have grown weary of the visual novel formula.

With that said, Steins;Gate is an absolute master class in storytelling and world building in a game. It deserves to be experienced by anyone who claims to enjoy a good sci-fi adventure, and those who don’t and take a chance with Steins;Gate might just find that they just haven’t experienced the right one until this very moment.

Fans of Mega Man should definitely check it out, as the fan service and museum alone are worth the price of admission to hardcore enthusiasts. I am now awaiting the inevitable Mega Man X collection, or at least DLC adding 7-10 to this package.

Every bullet counts, every health item matters, and Zombi still offers a fantastic time for those that never experienced it originally – and now at a great price.

Adventures of Pip looks like just another 2D indie platformer on the surface, but from the first level it shows it is so much more. The experience of the team involved shines through, making this one that definitely deserves more attention.

If you already own an Xbox One and enjoyed the franchise, this is a must have title. I expect some will be jumping on board in purchasing the system just for this title alone, and I wouldn’t blame them in the slightest.

It hits on all the right notes, has interesting variation outcomes from the butterfly effects, it looks great, and it’s the closest we’ve come to being in a horror flick. Sometimes funny, sometimes cheesy, sometimes downright scary and tense as hell, Until Dawn is one wild ride, and while not everyone will think it’s worth the entry price, I couldn’t be happier with the end results. I had such a blast with it, I started it over immediately to complete again, a rare thing these days. They aimed to go for an interactive horror movie experience and they absolutely nailed it.

It looks great, has a unique theme, a fun world to explore, and is hilarious at times, all while offering a very solid, lengthy, and competent quest. Just be sure to know that sometimes it will make you feel like walking the planks with its handful of minor annoyances and issues.

As it stands fans of the Toy Soldiers games are bound to enjoy the latest outing, and of course those with fond memories of the DLC properties are in for a treat. It is like going back and playing with action figures, which is precisely what the game sets out to do.

The Swindle is a well produced rogue-like, with great style and clever mechanics. The controls are perfect and the 100 day limit creates a sense of urgency and focus. However, it’s not without its flaws, and there are lots of other similar games in the market at the moment.