All in all, Beach Buggy Racing 2 is a fab entry in the kart racing genre; keeping things familiar enough but adding plenty of unique power-ups to stand out. It certainly is punching above its weight (and price). But I really think that the game is doing a disservice by not having an online multiplayer mode.

I came away impressed with Fabledom, it offers something unique and new to the city builder genre. Some of the humor was a little dry for my taste, but its impossible to deny this games cutesy charm. It’s a very likeable and chill city builder and aside from the AI still needing some work; despite being in EA for a year, Fabledom is a relaxing and wholly enjoyable game.

Revelations is definitely reminiscent of the old school days of the series, and those craving that particular experience should not miss out.

While Zenzizenzic isn’t going to set the world on fire with its visual style or gameplay innovations, it’s a solid bullet-hell shooter with a kick-ass soundtrack that’s modestly priced.

While I didn’t love The Mageseekers mainly due to my issues with the overly fast combat and my difficulty keeping track of Sylas when things really got going. However, as a fan of the lore, I enjoyed his heartbreaking story of revenge and redemption. I am looking forward to the next few releases from Riot Forge that are featuring Ekko and Nunu, but can we please get a project featuring the Noxus Empire…please?

Earth’s Dawn isn’t as a good as Odin Sphere, or even at the same level. It doesn’t have to be though. This is clearly a more budget focused title and it shows. All things considered, it’s one of the more fun and addicting games I’ve played this year, and surprisingly so. A game I almost didn’t give a second glance, and here I was being pulled away from other huge heavy holiday games. It offers a lot of content to work through, and for the price, players could do much worse this year.

Hot Wheels Unleashed is a game that tugs at my nostalgia for collecting these cars. I just wish the aggressive DLC plans and grinding for new cars didn’t sour that experience so much. When I was playing I was having a blast. The track design and handling are superb and when I got a new rare car I was super excited. Hopefully they tweak some of the requirements for unlocking cars and I hope the season passes are not overly priced for their own good. I would love to see this game flourish and become a staple of arcade racers. It feels like a renaissance of the genre, and I want Unleashed to be there for a long time coming.

Overall, I think Tiny and Big is a decent little experience. The game play never wears out its welcome, and the presentation is unique. There are some small quips with the game, but for ten dollars, you can get a fun experience with some replay value.

Ace Combat: Joint Assault is great if you are playing with friends either competitively or cooperatively, but if you choose to go solo you will likely grow tired of the trite mission structure far too quickly.

Cars 3: Driven to Win is an excellent title that simply feels underappreciated. Especially for XB1 and PS4 owners who don’t have access to the king of the genre. Even on Switch this is a solid purchase for fans young and old. Avalanche continues to prove they have the chops to make great games, sadly they never seem to get the recognition, or chance to really shine. Don’t skip this game. It is more than worth the price of admission.

Atlas Fallen does some things right as a new franchise, the world that the team has made is interesting and begs to be explored, the story is for the most part extremely well told and as I said graphically the game looks great. But the unevenness of the combat just makes avoiding fights more common than facing enemies head on. Which is truly a shame because as I said above, I love action games and had high hopes that Atlas Fallen would stick the landing. I am hoping this is something that can be fixed with a patch, because I did enjoy skating around the sands and exploring the massive levels.

It's true that there are better tower defense games to play, and there are better twin stick shooters to play, but there aren't any that got thrown in a downloadable blender quite like Comet Crash.

Puyo Puyo Champions is a fine puzzle game. It leans heavily into the multiplayer aspects of the game, and while it may turn off beginners or people out of practice, for the price, you still get a really good puzzle game.

What makes Stuntman great is the sum of all of its parts. While the career mode would have been great for a cheaper title all of the additional stuff such as odd-jobs, construction mode, and of course online play make this package worth checking out for fans of driving games looking for something unique in the genre.

This isn't a zombie shooting gallery, nor is it an episode of the Walking Dead. Zombies may be cliche and played out, but ZombiU's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. Definitely check it out if you own a Wii U.

It is nice to have these three games to complete the entire DMC anthology on my shiny new console. I enjoyed revisiting all three games as they are definitely memorable parts of my past. For $30 it is hard not to recommend for those with fondness and want to revisit them. For newcomers I can see plenty of people wondering why these games are so cherished among the community.

Tembo the Badass Elephant has an awesome name, and the game play to match. The only drawback is the archaic progression system. Those looking for a quick romp with hints of masochism for perfect runs should definitely check it out. The charm and pitch-perfect game play are more than worth the price of admission.

This is a beefed-up version of the original game, and still stands as one of the most impressive co-op shooters available. If you have a friend to play with this is one of the best experiences you can have with this type of game. But if you intend to fly solo this is definitely not the game for you. The campaign is short, the helper AI seriously has some faults and the game just wasn't designed to be played alone.

The deep alchemy system and unique grow book are worth the price of admission alone and the collector’s edition is chock full of fan-service.

Jotun isn’t a long game by any means, but it packs in a lot. The diverse environments are beautiful, the boss fights are expertly designed, and Norse mythology is just cool. It also tells a personal story that makes the ride all the more enjoyable.

Every game has its negatives and none of the negatives mentioned in this review should keep you from trying this game out. It’s an absolute delight and a ton of fun to be had. If you’re like me and stuck in your gaming ways, step out of your comfort zone a little and fire this game up. You won’t be disappointed, especially since the game is on Game Pass.

Power of Illusion finds its roots in a classic platformer, and its gameplay lives up to that legacy. Unfortunately, the other gameplay elements really break up the action; object manipulation by painting is novel but awkward, and the side quests are just pure filler. Despite those slowdowns, it's a lot of fun to play. For fans of the original, it's a walk down memory lane, but it's also an excellent platformer that stands on its own.

While it’s not my favorite bundle they have released, it most certainly has some fun times in it. RPG and Kingdom Hearts fans should not shy away from this one. Still, seeing as how 2.5 HD had both Kingdom Hearts 2 and Birth by Sleep in it and this package only has a full game and a 2 hour episode, I would say at least wait for a slight price drop.

As far as Switch ports from the Wii U go, this is right up there with the best. Nintendo has done just enough to make it look and feel better than I remember on the Wii U. Also not unlike Mario Kart 8 they have included all the DLC, including the aforementioned Luigi add-on that is basically an entirely new game. There is a lot packed in here, and for those that never invested in the Wii U, it is more than worth the price of admission. It might not be the most memorable Mario game ever created, but it is still better than most platformers available on the console. Even when Nintendo doesn’t set the world on fire, they still manage to impress.

Sackboy: A Big Adventure is a charming game that I was smiling while playing almost entirely. It will likely get lost amonth after the Spider-Man and Astro Bot mainstays, but this game is more than worth checking out. Especially for those looking for something to play with their family and friends. It is a whimsical adventure that finally makes me enjoy a game featuring Sackboy, and that is a win in and of itself.

Divekick is an interesting concept, and one that is hard not to enjoy. I had a blast playing locally, and for $10 it is hard not to recommend, especially considering you get both versions. Serious fighting game fans are not likely to create a tournament scene around it, but casual and pro players alike are bound to have some epic matches of back and forth. This is why it is fun, and why everyone can jump in and have a good time, and to me that accounts for a lot.

In the end, Ashwalkers is a decent game. It’s simple in nature and there’s a nice reason why. This is a storytelling game above all else. It does a decent job here and offers up some different play styles when it comes to choosing the story the player wants to see. It’s not going to knock anyone’s socks off, but I did enjoy my time with the game even if it did have a few moments where it frustrated me. This one is for the story fans. Not actually the survival players. If you’re looking for a choice driven game, you’ll get it here. If you’re looking for a post-apocalyptic survival game, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

Maneater is still one of a kind experience and if this is the only way to play it I think this is a really well done port that deserves the $40 price tag; just note that the Switch version doesn’t appear to be getting the DLC that other platforms will be getting later this year.

This is a straight up side-scroller from gaming's past, and it executes that extremely well. While the price tag may be a bit on the high side I still think it is worth checking out if you have fond memories of the original game, or are simply in need of a blast (processing) from the past.

Deliver At all Cost offers plenty in the way of replayability, thanks to its open-world nature and a whole host of mission types. But the repetitive nature of some of the mission designs will wear thin after a time. While the game delivers a fun and chaotic experience that excels in destruction and absurdity it struggles with pacing and narrative cohesion. Fans of Crazy Taxi and the Burnout franchise will appreciate the reckless charm therein but those looking for a deeper story or more refined mechanics may find it lacking.

WRC Generations retreads a lot of familiar ground while adding enough new to make it feel fresh. It has been a solid series for years and I am sad to learn it won’t be returning after this entry. Still this feels like a solid swan song to end on and I can tell the developers really poured their hearts into this final entry. I do wonder what they will build next and whatever it is, they have my attention. I have always loved rally games and this is one of the few simulation offerings that I have enjoyed over the years.

Bee Movie is a solid game that remains true to the license while actually producing a fantastic experience for players both young and old.

Axiom Verge 2 is a stellar follow-up to one of the original indie Metroid-inspired titles. It is worth checking out even if players haven’t dove into the first game. Also you should totally play both games. They are some of the best in the indie genre. I can’t wait until the game drops on Xbox as well so all platforms have a chance to experience such an amazing experience.

Aside from a few issues and a single voice actor, I had a great time with The Chant. It has a good atmosphere, simple mechanics and a fun overall story that kept me going for the six to seven hours it took. This is going to be one of those games that will be looked at in a few years as a hidden gem that people didn’t play. Let me at least be one of the people to tell you, play this one. You’ll have a pretty fun time.

The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice Edition is a weird release. While Xbox owns the developer, Private Division still retains the distribution rights to the first game. Which means the normal free upgrade is not here. Instead we have the definitive version of a great game locked behind some weird monetary decisions. If you never played the original, this is by far the best package available. If you did and are looking to upgrade what is here is nice, but not worth another $60. If you own all the DLC this is a solid $10 upgrade. Still I wish it was more accessible or at least a save transfer existed. It taints an otherwise solid release.

Even with the issues, I had a great time playing this game. I think the biggest thing to remember is knowing what this game is, its is a police simulator through and through. It’s a slow burn, you will take endless photos of car accidents and talk to people but if working a shift as a cop sounds fun then look no further.

As a brand new IP, Ghostwire: Tokyo shows a lot of promise with its strong animation work, solid combat and interesting world design, but it falters along the path to the finish line with a story arc that feels rushed along with an excessive use of typical and tired open world game design tropes.

Monster Energy Supercross 25 is a terrible name for such a finely crafted game. This is for the hardcore fans of the sport and Milestone has gone the extra mile to make sure all the realism is intact. They could have done more to ease in casual players, but everything else is fantastic. The new engine levels up the visuals and the customization is very appreciated. You just have to know what you are getting into before diving in. This game takes commitment and practice to fully enjoy it. Once you get past that though, it is one of the best in the genre.

The Toaplan Arcade Collection is an interesting piece of history. There are some deep cuts here, and I enjoyed discovering the games I had never played. Of course, revisiting classics such as Truxton, Hellfire, and of course Zero Wing on my Xbox in 2025 was a trip. I love the renaissance that shooters are in. Bring them all back! Being able to just sit down at my modern console and do a run of Tiger Heli is really cool.

Just Dance 4 has something for everybody, and this is the definition of a party game.

The Toaplan Arcade Collection is an interesting piece of history. There are some deep cuts here, and I enjoyed discovering the games I had never played. Of course, revisiting classics such as Truxton, Hellfire, and of course Zero Wing on my Xbox in 2025 was a trip. I love the renaissance that shooters are in. Bring them all back! Being able to just sit down at my modern console and do a run of Tiger Heli is really cool.

This is easily a 30+ game, so don’t grab this game if you want a quickie game to blow through in 10 hours, or if you don’t like reading.

With a revamped mission structure, online play, and brand new control scheme Armored Core 4 is a must own for fans of the series like myself. While there are a few glaring problems the core experience is still enjoyable.

Rita’s Rewind knows who its audience is and caters to it perfectly. If you have nostalgia for the show, this is a no-brainer. Even for someone like me who is aware of the series, but didn’t exactly have fond memories of it, I get what they are putting down. Combat can be stiff at times, but the break ups between levels really carries the experience.

NBA 2K22 has a few things that make this upgrade feel worthy. The new play mechanics are excellent, and it continues to excel on the presentation front. The microtransactions are still super gross and I wish some of the other modes such as Blacktop would get a proper overhaul as they are starting to feel dated. Still being the only NBA game in town it does upgrade nicely. I found myself deleting the old version to play this one, and not being a huge NBA fan that is saying something.

It wasn’t all a flowery trip to Pottery Barn though; at launch there was some issues with matchmaking, but it was corrected pretty quick. Kiln actually performs quite well, aside from some longer loading times; I had really no issues with the gameplay or anything. In fact, my only real gripe is the lone game mode that is currently available. Not that there is anything wrong with quench because it is a lot of fun, but there is no variety outside of it and we all know that gamers get bored of things quicker than a babysitter’s boyfriend when a car pulls up. And even though the Kiln is on Game Pass I worry about the longevity of the game, especially since it’s multiplayer only. But I guess that’s tomorrow’s problem, for today we smash pots.

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.

It is hard not to recommend Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight to anyone craving that Castlevania vibe. I just wish it had more to it. The lack of upgrades and short lifespan make it feel half-baked at times. However, with a hardcore mode to unlock and neat hidden upgrades scattered throughout, it more than justifies its price tag.

Fans of old-school PC games such as Diablo will find plenty to entertain them and the amount of items and weapons to discover truly is impressive.

Overall Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is a good title that is marred by the expectations that the Modern Warfare name brings with it. The campaign has some really stellar gameplay moments that are brought down by the mediocre plot. Multiplayer was fun but felt a bit like the competition’s output (despite there being no Battlefield release this year) which may be a turn off for some. I don’t think Modern Warfare 2019 has done anything to make me rethink waiting for substantial price drops to play Call of Duty campaigns, because clearly multiplayer is still Activision’s main focus and that’s just not where I get my kicks.

At the end of the day, Battle for the Grid is a solid fighting game. In fact, it is a really good one. The systems work well, it looks flashy and fun, and there’s a decent learning curve to keep players busy. The only thing that really holds it back is the lack of a community. Granted, I am doing this review later on since it released, but I would hope for more than 20 people online playing at the same time. Fighting game fans should give this one a shot if they haven’t already. Maybe bolster up the online community a bit. If that can be done, we’ll have a grand fighter on our hands.

There really isn’t much to say about the MMX Legacy Collection. Given my fondness for the series, I’m always happy to have more people discover the pure platforming bliss that most of the series offers and while there certainly is value in keeping things faithful to the original, I would have much preferred a collection of true remasters as it would have gone a long way to justify the asking price.

Jedi Survivor is a great Star Wars game with a lot of technical mishaps that really drag it down. The story is excellent, and I loved the characters. The combat still feels good. I just wish the navigation system was better.

Directive 8020’s over reliance on stealth segments, cheap jump scares and jarring story transitions prevents it from being one of the best in the series. However, it impresses with strong performances, atmosphere and the addition of the Turning Point system that makes replaying the game to see new plot points more convenient than ever, making it a solid new entry in the Dark Pictures Anthology.

Sonic Superstars is a great Sonic game that steps outside its comfort zone for the series. When they have done that in the past, it hasn’t always panned out for them. Superstars manages to make it work though even with the seemingly pointless time attack and battle modes. The campaign is enjoyable, the new character is interesting, and everything just looks and sounds delightful. There is little to complain about and once you get used to the new style, it really works on all levels.

Xbox Live play and addictive Achievements round out the incredible gameplay and make this game a must own for anyone who enjoys some good old fashioned hard-nosed football.

While this year’s Madden will always feel somewhat bittersweet due to John’s passing, I think that it was beyond perfect that the best version of Madden football would be the one that was made to honor the legacy of its namesake. From the factoids that I learned about Coach, to the superb presentation and soundtrack throughout the entire game, to the fantastic on field play; this years Madden as far as I am concerned has finally broken free of the 2K series and has gone all the way!

Ultimately, Knock on the Coffin Lid is a solid rogue-like deckbuilding game with some nice additions and twist from the norm. The art style and audio shine throughout the game and there are lots of great deck possibilities. However, it’s held back by the steep learning curve, difficulty and the overly grindy nature that is required to acquire the many unlockable. Fans of the genre will find lots to enjoy here though, there is plenty of room for replay ability just be prepared to grind for new rewards.

The action is fun and the exploration kept me interested. I just wish the pacing towards the end was better. While it mimicked the parts I love about classic adventure titles, it also copied the poor padding practices as well.

The co-op action is some of the best I have experienced in a while, and the humor is just as fantastic as it has always been. Playing with others is the way to go, but I strongly recommend playing locally or finding gamers online with headsets.

As an entry level experience in the Dragon Quest universe, Treasures does a lot of things right. It nails the treasure hunting mechanic and provides plenty of nostalgia through it’s audio, visuals, and monster collecting action. Some variety in the main gameplay loop and a little more depth throughout would go a long way towards creating a more worthy feeling entry in the series, but there’s still a lot to love here. Hopefully we’ll get a sequel that can build on some of the mechanics. In the interim, fans of Dragon Quest who don’t mind a walk in the park now and then should check this one out.

Valley is a mish mash of other games before it, but still retains a unique feeling all to itself and my time with it was pleasantly surprising with it.

It has its missteps, but overall Costume Quest 2 is an improvement over the first game, and a pretty entertaining game that fans should really enjoy.

With a solid start for MyPlayer mode, and a strong big picture batting and pitching mechanic in place, I'm quite optimistic for the 11th iteration of MLB 2k.

Ivy the Kiwi is not your normal platform adventure game that it might appear to be. Its unique blend of puzzle and action really set it apart from the normal shovelware found on the Wii.

MOTA runs about 3-4 hours in length, which is fair for the $10 price tag. The ending also has the potential to substantially impact Dragon Age III so I am excited to see where that leads.

Liberation could have been a fantastic game and a very worthy entry in the overall AC canon if it had been given a couple more months in the oven. As it stands, it's certainly an enjoyable romp and well worth playing for fans of the series, but the technical issues and sub-par narrative exposition really hold it back. Hopefully future handheld entries in the series will learn from the missteps here and create a true masterpiece.

All in all, Edge of Eternity is a fun game. Aside from some weird facial animations, and some other jank I really enjoyed my time in the world. As I said before the world itself is quite beautiful and inviting; it really goes to show just how good Unreal 4 engine can be. I know we are all hyped to see the new U5 games, but the old version still looks great. If you are a fan of the JRPGs from the 90’s and early 00’s then Edge of Eternity is for you. It has just enough nostalgia to make you smile when thinking about those old memories, but enough current systems and features that make it really feel like a product that is the best of both worlds.

Judgment tells a compelling story of a disgraced defense attorney turned detective and his obsessive search for the truth. Unfortunately, the half baked nature of the investigative mechanics as well as a slew of pacing issues holds it back from escaping from the Dragon’s shadow.

Savage Moon is an enjoyable game, even if it lacks the charm and obsessive allure of PSN alum PixelJunk Monsters.

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.

WRC 9 is a nice update and yet another game taking advantage of the new hardware. Most likely overlooked the game when it initially came out. If you enjoy simulation racers this is definitely one to put on your radar. The Series X enhancements are a nice addition to an already solid rally game.

The games are well done, and still look and sound nice. Sure they’re 8-bit, but they offer up some catchy tunes and some pretty nice 8-bit visuals. I would say this is a very good port of the games that convey how they were back in the late 80’s. It really all boils down to if you have nostalgia for these games or have a genuine interest in checking out the early days of point and click adventure games. Either way, you get three full games that are still fun in some instances even if some of the mechanics don’t hold up. Even then, there’s plenty of walkthroughs that have been made throughout the years that can help if you’re stuck. And all of this for the low price of eight bucks. If you have any interest at all, give this collection a shot.

As a whole, the game is simple, but still fun.

Tron: Catalyst is one of those games that’s easy to admire, even if it doesn’t quite hit every target. It builds a compelling world, executes an interesting premise, and looks incredible doing it. But by the end, the cracks start to show. Combat could use more depth, the Glitch mechanic feels underdeveloped, and the world; despite its beauty it really lacks things to do. Still, for fans of Tron, isometric action games, or stylish sci-fi in general, this is a strong entry. I’d love to see Bithell take another swing at this universe. With more time and ambition, a follow-up could turn these sparks into something explosive.

Total War: Warhammer should be given credit for breathing new life into the Total War franchise, a task it primarily accomplishes with distinct factions and a fun battle system.

Zack Zero is a rather entertaining game. Even with the combat and platforming problems, I can't help but like the game. The powers are really nice and the overall feel of the game is fun. The game just has so much heart.

This is a straight up side-scroller from gaming's past, and it executes that extremely well. While the price tag may be a bit on the high side I still think it is worth checking out if you have fond memories of the original game, or are simply in need of a blast (processing) from the past.

With Bandle City the developer Lazy Bear Games has done an excellent job of bringing the world of the Yordles to life. As I said the graphics are all bright and colorful with a whimsical vibe throughout and a soundtrack that’s among the greatest for the genre. I had no idea what to expect from this game when I started it but I ended up loving every moment.

Despite these flaws, Final Fantasy Explorers offers a good time with friends taking on iconic enemies from the FF universe- just don’t expect much of a challenge.

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

This collection doesn’t really have a game that misses. While not all household names, I guarantee if you enjoy classic titles there is plenty here to enjoy. I love revisiting stuff like Kiki Kaikai and Liquid Kids and checking out two obscure fighting games. The shooters are always fun and who doesn’t love Legend of Kage? Definitely recommended for us old folks who grew up with the greatness that is Taito.

If you were just looking for a fun palette cleanser after Saints Row or Skyrim, then you got Boba Fett with long hair and a dumb looking vest. Either way, there are better games out there in this style, but if you have already played Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light, for $10 Wanted Corp is not a bad choice.

What makes Stuntman great is the sum of all of its parts. While the career mode would have been great for a cheaper title all of the additional stuff such as odd-jobs, construction mode, and of course online play make this package worth checking out for fans of driving games looking for something unique in the genre.

Vandal Hearts: Flames of Judgment is a solid edition to the downloadable libraries of both the PSN and XBLA. The SRPG genre is not overly represented on either service and this addition is comprised of both quality and substance.

With a solid online component, a vastly improved career mode, and plenty to unlock Full Auto 2 is a great addition to the PS3 library, let’s just hope the developers take their time and give us a true sequel next time around.

It’s a good collection, but it could be even better. It could be great.

As a fan of the beat ‘em up genre I am glad I was introduced to RUSHING BEAT X: Return of Brawl Brothers. It’s a very quirky type of game, one that prioritizes over the top fun rather than deliver a cohesive story. And with quite a few playable characters to choose from, I guarantee there is someone here for every playstyle. I was pleasantly surprised by this one, sure it has some flaws but it delivers in fun.

With Dark Souls Remastered you should know exactly what you are getting; a full fat port of a revered and classic game with all of the extra bells and whistles the little console can afford. You may have already picked this remaster up on another platform, and if you have then you may want to side step this release. But if you missed it, or if taking Lordran with you in your bag is too appealing to turn down, then follow the flame and praise the sun.

With all the improvements, Godfall Ultimate Edition feels like just that; with all the previously released DLC and expansions this is truly the ultimate experience for anyone who desires to take down a would-be God.

There are a few hitches here and there, but there's also a good amount of fun to be had.

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

Redout doesn’t do much new for the genre aside from an interesting twist with the redout feature. Though it doesn’t have to re-invent the wheel but simply give use their take on the ultimate speed test. The online issue is a shame, and the only other issue I ran into was on some tracks and depending on how many racers are on screen, the framerate would falter before getting back to its smooth performance. In a game like this that’s a big blunder and extremely noticeable, but it doesn’t break the game and it’s workable. It just sticks out like a complete sore thumb in an otherwise solid package. For the price of entry, Redout sticks out as a great entry in the futuristic racing genre.

Visually the game looks good. We have not gotten a lot of titles to showcase these new consoles and Outriders does a good job with a rock-solid 60fps on Series X. The worlds are diverse, and the giant monsters are a sight to behold. The voice acting is atrocious and the story forgettable, but the actual world and shooting are simply outstanding. Outriders is a perfect storm. A shiny new game to show off these new consoles. The fact that it launched day and date onto Game Pass has definitely helped with its success, as has the fact that gamers are hungry for new experiences. I will likely be playing a bunch of Outriders in 2021, and that speaks volumes to its longevity. I hope the team continues to expand on the title as we move through the year, as I look forward to coming back to it for quite some time.

Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac on Xbox Series X is not a flawless remake—but it’s a surprisingly heartwarming one. It enhances visuals, smooths out rough edges in control, and layers in replay value without losing the core DNA of the original.

Pool Hall Pro is exactly what the title suggests. It's a pool game, and a good one at that. The game play itself is solid and works very well on the PSP.

The Ninja Gaiden Master Collection is a great collection of games and the only way a lot of players can even access these titles. The first and second game are still classics. The third is fine, but just doesn’t stand on the same shoulders as its predecessors. Also, that t-rex fight is still ridiculous. Still, it is nice to have all the games in one place. Don’t sleep on these games. They are still pillars of the character action genre and worth playing to this day.

Turbo Overkill is definitely one of ‘those’ games, but it is a very well done one of those. I had a lot of fun mowing my way through it, and I cannot stress enough how much fun the chainsaw leg is. It is disappointing that nothing quite hits like that one mechanic, considering this game is packed with tons of weapons and upgrades that I barely ever touched. Still, it was a fun romp that reminds me of the classic shooters I grew up loving.