After playing The Persistence on Xbox One I’m sort of disappointed I skipped it on PlayStation VR. The game is really well done and is built in a way that every small step helps; even if I die on a level, as long as I have collected something my time is not wasted. I’m fairly open that horror games are sort of a new passion of mine and I really liked the atmosphere in this game and a big part of that is how good the enemy AI is. There is a lot to like in this game as long as randomized gameplay (rogue light elements) are not a turn off. The Persistence is definitely one of the best rogue light experiences I have played in quite some time and I will likely go back and try the VR origins of this title.

Guitar Hero: Smash Hits is a great collection of tracks from previous games, re-constructed for the current evolution of the genre. If you are ok with that, and don't mind swapping discs to access this content, then do not hesitate purchasing it.

Darwin’s Paradox is a quirky puzzle platformer that harkens back to classic games and I loved it. The goofy cartoon art style is its biggest selling point, and the nods to classic Konami games are fun. The price matches the experience, and it is easy to recommend. I had a great time digging through it and we don’t get a ton of these types of games anymore, so it is always great to see a new one.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits feels like a blast from the past. We simply don’t get a lot of games like this anymore, when they used to be a dime a dozen. The visual fidelity and outstanding production values round out an excellent package, and I think everyone should check this game out. I am happy to see it finally make its way onto other platforms, even after three years I am sure there are some people who haven’t taken the plunge. Don’t skip this one, it is well worth your time and money.

The game is not as deep as other games like it, and the levels are fairly straightforward. The combat is smooth and the visuals are actually pretty good.

Fans of the narrative should definitely pick this up, especially considering it was free as a pre-order bonus for some. Now I just hope that there will be more expansions for DmC and that a sequel gets greenlit. This is easily Capcom’s best franchise revitalization to date.

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.

The gaming world and arcades have changed a lot in the last 10 years, and the simple fact that games such as this still exist is something I treasure. Even when they don’t pan out to be exactly as good as some of their predecessors, it’s appreciated. For the price, the nostalgia, or just a really fun old school game experience to play on your PS4, I’d say Sky Force Anniversary is totally worth it.

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.

While sparse on content, the actual fighting of Nitroplus Blasterz is surprisingly deep and enjoyable.

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.

Fighting games are living in a resurgent time so it is awesome to see this game get a second lease on life. Having never played it, it was a pleasant surprise that is packed with a ton of solo content to keep me interested. This is all without having any attachment to the anime or characters themselves. It made me interested in the universe and I had a blast playing the game on all fronts. If you enjoy fighting games and maybe are not as deep into the FGC or tournament scene, this game packs plenty of options for casual and experienced players alike.

If the other Family Game Night classics appealed to you and you shelled out $10 a piece for them, don't hesitate to drop the dough again on Sorry!

The right mix of fun and frivolous, at $10 Ultra's retro charms are a must have for any Bomberman fan.

SVR 2008 is definitely a step ahead for the series from a gameplay standpoint. The new controls, fighting styles, and ECW content really take the series to the next level in terms of in ring action. However, the disappointing 24/7 mode and the return of some nagging problems keeps this title from being the truly great experience it could be.

If you only own a Wii U this is one game to pay close attention to. It is one of the better ports, and the second screen functionality becomes second nature after a while. In fact, it would be hard to play without it now. Combined with the great campaign packed in, this is definitely one of the better launch ports for the Wii U.

Resident Evil Zero Remaster is exactly what the name implies. I had a blast returning to this entry, which is easily my least played in the series. It does enough different to help it stand on its own, even if some of those mechanics are archaic by today’s standards.

With tons of additional modes, a massive roster of fighters and of course buckets of blood and gore MK Unchained finally gives the series a good name in the handheld market.

AC3 is a fantastic game that is hampered by its problems, and the Wii U does little to solve them.

Megadimension Neptunia VII is a bubbly game that I could easily see getting worn out with its abundance of releases. However, coming into it as a new player I really enjoyed the ride.

EA Sports NBA Jam is a great revival of a classic franchise. If you were a fan then there is no reason to pass up on this offering as it brings just enough to the table to make it worth your while.

Thanks to these significant improvements to gameplay, its easy to recommend NBA 2K26 to both newcomers to the franchise and longtime fans. It’s the best playing basketball game we’ve gotten in years, at least 2K23. With that being said, it’s hard not to be frustrated with the things that are still holding the series back. The game would be well served by a firm split between MyCareer and The City, with a Career mode and progression system more akin to MLB: The Show and an online multiplayer component that emphasizes parity rather than pay to win (or in most cases pay to simply be competitive). Feels like this is a pipedream based on the revenue that the series brings in, but it would definitely improve the overall experience.

EA Sports NBA Jam is a great revival of a classic franchise. If you were a fan then there is no reason to pass up on this offering as it brings just enough to the table to make it worth your while.

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

Having battled some of the game’s more exasperating stages I’ll conclude with a simple statement: MouseCraft is a really good puzzle game.

Roots of Pacha on is a delightful farming simulation that stands out for its unique setting, charming art style, and engaging gameplay. It’s a game that invites you to slow down, connect with a vibrant community, and experience the joys of ancient agriculture. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of the genre or new to the farm, Roots of Pacha is a wonderful game that offers a rewarding and heartwarming journey into the past.

All in all, I’d say Battleborn is a very well made game. The gameplay is fun and actually well thought out, and the characters all bring something different to the table. The story mode can be hit or miss, but the competitive side of things is really where the game shines in its strategy and game play.

Fans of Star Wars in general need to play this game and anyone looking for a break from all the shooters, racers, and RPGs flooding the market today owe it to themselves to check out this simple, yet highly addictive little action title.

Blacklight: Retribution is a good game, although anyone who wants to play seriously will definitely need to invest some time and money in order to be really competitive. As someone who doesn't play a lot of keyboard and mouse shooters, I particularly appreciated the tutorial, which allows you to get familiar with the controls in a non-combat environment. With solid shooting, unique play mechanics and no barrier to entry, Retribution is a good choice for fans of PC shooters, or anyone who wants to give the genre a try.

The art style and concept of John Rochard is very interesting, and the story, while a little bland, will keep you going to the end. Give it a shot. There's some fun to be had.

Battlefield: Hardline may seem like simply an expansion to the fourth entry in the game, but after diving in I enjoy it a lot more than the previous effort. The campaign is a breath of fresh air, and the multiplayer adds enough to make it stand out.

Sure it may have some small setbacks, but the gamble Two Tribes took with Toki Tori 2 really paid off. The clever design and simplistic mechanics really click, and when that discovery of how it all worked hit me, I was in love. The Wii U may not have a plethora of must-own titles, but if you own the console, this game is definitely one to pick up. The eShop could continue to be a spawning pool for brilliance like this; let’s just hope developers continue to bring their great vision to the platform.

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.

If you’re a fan of isometric RPGs and action, I think the choice is pretty clear, we have a winner.

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

Ghost of Yōtei is another outstanding achievement by the team at Sucker Punch. While I didn’t love it as much as its predecessor, it is still one of the best games to launch this year. Sony continues to push the envelope when it comes to single player experiences.

Fans of puzzle games in general, especially in the vein of Super Meat Boy and Trials will have a blast. This is one massive package that will take a while to master, and perhaps a few broken controllers in the process.

Livelock is a game that sounds pretty standard on paper, but I simply could not stop playing. It takes about 15 hours to max every character, and I am still trying to figure out how to finish my master data cards, but again without a progress tracker, it makes it incredibly difficult. If you enjoy co-op games with friends I can’t recommend it enough. It is a great game to throw on and BS with friends while mowing down countless hordes of robot enemies.

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.

Overall, Your Shape Fitness is a really good title to pick up if you would like to lose some weight in the comfort of your own home.

One of the fun things about following the Capcom Arcade Cabinet releases has been watching the games progress and evolve over time. The 1986 pack feels like a leap forward, with titles featuring multiple play styles and weapon switching. For classic arcade fans, this is a worthwhile addition to the collection.

For fans of 2D platformers it’s a good choice, and definitely worth checking out.

This reboot of Forza Motorsport is impressive visually. This is genuinely the best-looking game I have seen in a while. The rebuilt tracks are great, the racing feels good, the career mode has plenty to see and do, but I can’t help but feel like this isn’t the leap I was expecting.

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

Pirate Warriors 2 may be a mixed bag for some. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the game, and I can see how the removal of some of the uniqueness can put players of the original off, but in the end, it is a very fun Musou experience.

This package is a ‘your mileage may vary’ situation. The new characters are great additions, the story is a decent three-hour romp, but my favorite parts were the Animalities and new modes such as the return of the Towers of Time. Sadly the grind has not been addressed. It takes way too long to get to the good stuff. The monetization is still ridiculous and what is with the main menu taking forever to verify my license to play Invasions? These are the kinds of things I would love to see. MK1 could have been one of the best entries of the franchise, but it keeps getting uppercutted by its shortcomings.

It is a great title for anyone looking to scratch that kart racing itch, with lots of throwbacks to previous Sonic titles in both course design and music (including a new Crush 40 track because of course it does). I enjoyed my time with Team Sonic Racing and I think others will too.

Definitely recommended for anyone who cannot get enough gimp chariot racing.

Dead Rising Deluxe Remastered is a perfect way to return to the game that started it all. The quality-of-life changes make it feel fresh while still retaining the feel of the original. Fans of the original game will be pleased with this remaster and newcomers will be able to get into it without the hurdles the original came with. I hope Capcom continues to bring back their classic games. Now is the time Capcom, Dino Crisis, make it happen.

Nioh 2 is not a bad game by any means, I think it is just a style of game that I have grew out of. I’m 35 now, I’m married, have a full-time job, and really don’t have the time to master this game’s many mechanics. That’s not to say it isn’t still overwhelming to me to see all these options here. It most certainly was and for another person, particularly someone who likes this style of game, they will be in heaven. That being said, even I can say this is a must play for people that want a big game with some challenging combat and all the bells and whistles that come with the genre, and this PC version runs and looks just as good as one would expect.

Starfield is a great game, but it is not the second coming of Bethesda. This is exactly what I thought it was going to be and if you love their games, you will love Starfield. There is so much to see and do. So many great characters, excellent writing, and plenty of side quests and choices to make. I hate the cliché “if you’re a fan of the genre” but if a game ever matched that quote, it is this one. This is a Bethesda space opera and one of their best games to date.

Underhero is not a difficult game, but it is a beefy one. Players could spend anywhere from 15-25 hours in it depending on how much they backtrack and collect upgrades and items. The combat continuously evolves to keep it interesting, and the charm manages to last all the way through. While there are plenty of games keeping us busy these days, Underhero is one that should be on your radar at some point. The light price tag and unending charm make it a sleeper hit and one I can whole-heartidly recommend.

Despite missing a few defining features of the original, Resident Evil 3 makes for a thrilling experience that I’m sure will be enjoyed by both veterans of the series and new fans alike.

While it’s a bit disappointing to find that there are some key modes that are missing from the package, I hope that in the next iteration they’ll put out the complete package with everything that we expect from fighters released in the modern age.

Demon Gaze proudly treads on proven grounds with a few twists of its own, and fans of the genre will surely enjoy their adventure as the bane of all demons.

Reus 2 is a rare gem; a god-game that encourages creativity and patience instead of chaos and destruction. It’s a strategy title that rewards thoughtfulness, experimentation, and curiosity. Abbey Games clearly learned from the first outing and refined it into something both deeper and more approachable. The Xbox version looks great, runs smooth, the only real wrinkle is the controls feel clumsy with a controller. Hopefully we can see a patch or two that will address this, but even with that issue players on Xbox will find more to love than hate with Reus 2.

A must have for anyone that missed the PS4 Uncharted games and a solid reason to dive back in for those that have already played them.

Need for Speed: Rivals is one of the most impressive launch games for PS4. It is very pretty visually, and it has enough content to keep players busy for quite some time. There are some drawbacks to its design, but nothing that will derail the fun.

AVGN 8-Bit is a great retro title and a great AVGN game. He seems to understand how to license out his work to the right people. I highly recommend it if you loved those old NES games or are a fan of his work. Others with a sensitivity to offensive humor should probably stay away, but for everyone else this is a retro must-have. I loved every minute of it, just expect to die…a LOT.

Even though it can get a little repetitive, the fun and charm that fills the game will carry you on through the rough bits.

Cruis’n Blast is a fantastic trip back to the past with some modern luxuries to round out the package. This is not a game for everyone. It can be maxed out in a day and the replay comes from the enjoyment of the races and tracks themselves. If you are into that though, you will be hard-pressed to find a more polished version of an arcade racing game to date. You can feel the love from Raw Thrills past work poured into this game and I hope it eventually makes its way onto other platforms at some point. Everyone should get a chance to experience the thrill of arcade racing in its finest form.

The biggest compliment I can give is that since the Scott Pilgrim vs. The World game was delisted there has been cries for it to be put back on digital storefronts, and while that has not happened, this is an amazing replacement. It’s not necessarily what I want from a River City game, but it is definitely the direction I want to see beat ‘em ups go in. I would recommend this to anyone who has a friend to play with, but if not I would say boot up the 3DS and give the other River City games a shot (there’s three relatively new games on there). I hope WayForward gets to follow this game up so they can tweak their gameplay a bit and explore their take on the world of River City a bit more.

Overall if you want a good RPG for your Wii, and frankly who doesn't, then this is your best bet so far. Everything works great and outside of some visual deficiencies this is one solid entry to the console's library.

NHL 19 is a solid game and one that packs plenty of ways to enjoy its core mechanics. Not having played a hockey game seriously in almost two decades it feels like a really good place to step in. There is a lot to unpack here, and I had fun with more than one of the modes. It also has a great training mode for those like me who want to dig deeper into the ins and outs of the sport. EA may not tout this game as much as their other sports games, but they should. This is yet another quality pillar in the EA Sports library.

Green Hell feels like a must-play for any survival game enthusiast. Having come out in 2019 originally, I may be late to the party having just found it in 2024 with its Series X release. Its beautiful graphics, respectful depiction of native cultures, and intense survival mechanics set it apart from other games in the genre. Whether you’re a fan of Subnautica’s aquatic adventures or Ark’s dinosaur-filled landscapes, Green Hell offers a unique and unforgettable journey into the heart of the Amazon.

With greatness often comes great load times, and Lunar is no exception to that rule.

At the same time, this series is one of the best strategy RPGs I have ever played and while not as enjoyable as Awakening, it’s still a great title and worthy of the Fire Emblem name.

Dark Souls Remastered is exactly what the name implies and fans will adore it. I still suck royally at these games. I still want an easy mode so I can manage to get through them without frustration, but the game that spawned a genre is still finely crafted. The jump in framerate and added DLC make this the package to own. For new and old players this is the version to own.

Gori is a simple and stupid game, and I love it. I miss titles like this. Sometimes I just want to turn my brain off and kill a bunch of enemies. I feel like so few developers understand that above all, games are supposed to be fun. There is no deep narrative here, no lavish open world, just a handful of hours of carnage, and I couldn’t be happier.

There is a lot to love about SuperMash, and I had a blast making new games. I still pop it in even now to see what it will throw at me. I really hope the DLC delivers and it will continue to earn a spot on my hard drive. I definitely recommend this for fans of classic Nintendo and those like me who want quick and bite-sized experiences.

From its solid character customization to its strategic and enjoyable combat, it’s yet another great JRPG to grace the 3DS.

I loved this game when it was released back in the day, and I still love it today. I do wish it stuck to its initial concept throughout the entire experience, but what is here is still tense and well executed here. Pair that with the excellent updates that Nightdive is known for, and this is a game I can wholeheartedly recommend. I really appreciate the mantra of Nightdive as they continue to remaster classics from a different time, and not just the well-known ones. The Thing is an encapsulation of gaming during the PS2 era, and I am all here for it.

Still, when it’s all said and done, Tales of Symphonia is a classic that I’m sure many have missed due it being exclusively on the Gamecube in the States, and this is the perfect opportunity to check it out in its definitive form.

Spelunky 2 is likely to delight those who revere its predecessor. As for newcomers, a whole new world of curiosity, frustration, rage quitting, perseverance and reward awaits. This is a game that may be a challenge to get into for some, but sooner rather than later determination to succeed will likely evolve into devotion. This will be a game that will always encourage players to come back for more.

Marvel Puzzle Quest: Dark Reign for Xbox One may be late to the party, but there has never been a better time to jump in. For players who have already treaded these waters, there isn’t much here for a revisit, but if this is your first time, it is well worth the investment. With tons to unlock and great core game play, this is one puzzle game I can see myself sinking plenty of time into before all is said and done.

Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate earns the “Ultimate” in its moniker with visual and gameplay improvements as well as a wealth of additional content compared to its original counterpart on the 3DS. Whether you were first introduced to the MH series with Worlds or you’re a long time fan that’s kept up from the beginning, there’s a lot to enjoy here. It presents some of the very best of the various generations of MH, sporting a roster of over 90 different monsters to hunt but with that history, it carries the tried and true conventions of the franchise before the fifth fleet made shore on a new world and changed everything. For better or worse, that’s for you to decide.

While there are a few missions to partake in via mission points on the map, the game really had no ultimate goal other than to grow your farm, and prosper. While it might seem a bit disappointing there isn’t anything else to the game, I’ll admit it’s a relaxing experience in a lot of ways.

If you love online shooters, need something refreshing and are willing to think outside the box; don't hesitate to pick up Starhawk. It is definitely not your standard third-person affair.

Sam & Max: Beyond Time and Space is yet another step forward in the resurrection of the adventure genre. Xbox Live owners should be reveling in the fact that they get to experience these great collections for a fraction of the original cost.

Robocop: Unfinished Business doesn’t reinvent the wheel; it just straps some spikes on it and rolls it through a burning tower full of mercs. If you loved Rogue City, this is more of what made that game so surprisingly compelling: big guns, bigger satire, and a chrome-plated hero who never forgets his humanity. It’s a shame the polish wasn’t quite there, but if you can overlook the rough edges, there’s plenty of meat on this cyborg bone.

Firefighting Simulator: Ignite isn’t going to be for everyone. If you come looking for high-octane action, you’ll probably bounce off quickly. But if you’re patient and willing to embrace its deliberate pacing, there’s a rewarding experience here. It’s niche, no doubt, but it’s a niche worth exploring.

I have said many times that I am not a big fan of these roguelite games, and while that remains true; I did enjoy all my time with Darkest Dungeon II much like I did the original. The first few runs are going to feel absolutely unfair as players will fall long before reaching the boss of an area. But there is something to be said of finally figuring out the perfect team and finding success in the ashes of defeat. I do wish this game had a campfire or some sort of checkpoint system because its not a great feeling to be hours into a run and have to start ALL over because of a small oversight. But even with these small issues I still couldn’t stop thinking about new strategies to help my heroes find success in this dark and gothic world. This is a dangerous journey, but it’s one worth taking.

It does a lot of great things and sets the template for future games. The foundation is great, and they just need to flesh out the modes in the future and fix the glitches that crop up. It feels good to have this series back, and I hope it serves as inspiration to improve Madden as well.

Fans of the sport and franchise have a lot great modes to look forward to, with not only single player races but multiplayer also. Newcomers, as long as you know what you’re getting yourself into and are willing to invest the time, you’ll be racing like the pros with ease.

THQ has put together a pretty great love letter here for old school wrestling fans, and laid down a pretty good foundation for a new series.

Section 8 is what it is, a great multi-player experience that will likely suffer more because of the community and less because of the game itself.

NHL Slapshot is a fantastic addition to the EA Sports lineup on Wii. Hopefully we will see it continue to evolve over the next few years and finally give Wii owners something to look forward to in the hockey arena.

The gathering and creating of items, weapons, and armor are what really makes this game addicting, much like a toned down version of Monster Hunter.

Dragon’s Crown Pro is the definition of what a remaster should be. Cross save and crossplay with older versions is a great bonus, and the new orchestral score is incredible. This is a game a lot of people missed due to one reason or another. Don’t make that mistake again. This is one of the best beat ‘em up games in the last ten years. More than worth investing into.

Annihilation is another fine showing from Treayarch. I know that some people may have gotten to the point where they no longer want to spend 1200msp on another map pack, but while it is of this quality, I have no problems in recommending it.

While not quite reaching the heights of the Danganronpa series, Master Detective Archives: Rain Code is great spiritual successor to the cult classic and whether this is the beginning of a new franchise or if it will be a stand-alone title, it marks a return to form for Tookyo Games.

The Xbox One version looks just as good if not a little better than its PS4 counterpart. It runs at a higher resolution and the world feels alive. It still has markings of its PS3 building, but it looks great regardless. I cannot wait to play Kiwami and Kiwami 2 on Xbox as well, as I never got a chance to finish those when they originally released. If for some reason you have not experienced the series there has never been a better time. The PS4 version is always on sale, it is in Game Pass for both Xbox and PC. Do not hesitate, play Yakuza and join me in experiencing one of the most unique and interesting games of the generation.

Alien Breed offers fans much more than just a re-release. With an updated version of the game, online co-op, cross play between the PS3 and Vita and universal level and gun unlocks, players can enjoy the game in just about any way they want. If you’ve never played the game before it’s probably not the best use of your money, but fans will enjoy the ability to relive their memories while also creating new ones.

Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds is a really fun game, and well worth the $10 entry fee. Local co-op is a blast, and you don’t have to be the best video game player to enjoy it.

As a massive fan of the Gundam franchise, Gundam Evolution is off to a fantastic start. Each of the initial batch of mobile suits all fill different roles on the battlefield; and none of felt like it didn’t have a sufficient counter to it. Sadly, some of the best counter picks are locked behind the pay wall, but players can grind out the currency if they want to save some money. I do wish the grind to unlock new suits and the in game currency wasn’t so slow, and the game is in desperate need of some new maps but even with those issues surprisingly the best Gundam game out right now is the free to play Gundam Evolution, and while I am waiting on the console version to REALLY dig in. Those who play on PC should absolutely check it out, especially if you are a fan of games like Overwatch or Paladins. (Does anyone still play Paladins, for that matter does anyone even REMEMBER Paladins?!)

Kudos to the developers for introducing us to Efferia and it’s innovative battle system, interesting characters, and compelling story.

The additions to the PS3 version of Eternal Sonata add some length and substance to an already satisfying game. A tempting and beautiful dream world, the game design is truly captivating.

The combination of platforming and RPG elements just works, and delivers a great experience.