Marlow Briggs and the Mask of Death sounds like a straight to VHS (DVD or Blu-Ray for the kiddies) action movie starring a washed up 80s action star *cough* Carl Weathers *cough*. But this doesn’t make it any less fun. In fact for anyone searching for a quick God of War-type fix, I can’t recommend it enough. I had fun from beginning to end, and the cheese was just the right amount of thick.

Super Sanctum TD is a rather deep tower defense game in a nice little retro package.

The night I finished “rain”, I fell asleep thinking about the story and what had transpired during the journey. Then the next morning I awoke thinking about it once more. While I didn’t have any clear ideas as to what it all meant, I was left with the undeniable feeling that I had experienced something exceptional.

It may take about an hour or so to ramp up, but when it does, Spud’s Quest becomes a rather fun and challenging experience.

It’s truly a great shame to see a title which showed promise go out in a whimper due to predictable writing and a myriad of glitches.

Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix is a solid collection that brings back some of the magic Square-Enix created on the PlayStation 2.

I could do all of those things, but I’d rather just say that GTA V is as close to a perfection of the Grand Theft Auto formula as has been created thus far. If you have any interest at all, it should already be installing on your system.

For $20, Alien Rage is a rather fun little experience. It has its moments of frustration with the difficulty, but the weapons and score-based mechanics really make it shine over other titles in the genre. The multiplayer is surprisingly fun, and many FPS fans will find a lot of enjoyment out of the entire package. I suggest giving it a try if you enjoy arcade style first-person action.

This is one of the most memorable experiences in the history of gaming, and it is a shame if anyone misses out on it.

Without the online multiplayer to sustain the title outside of its short lived single player campaign, there just isn’t that much game here and even though it’s priced well at a modest $9.99, I feel it’s a title for the hardcore boxing game fans that have been waiting for a dose of action on the go and nobody else.

While I wouldn’t consider the game play to top the one present in the excellent EO 4, the addition of the Story Mode with some streamlining of the mapping process in the form of floor jumps makes this the most accessible, easily recommendable EO game release thus far.

The question you should be asking yourself isn’t “should I play Disgaea D2” but rather, “do I have the balls and time to play such a crazy game?”. The answer may surprise you.

The Wonderful 101 is my newest love/hate game. It does so much new and, well wonderful that I could never stay mad at it. Sadly it wasn’t the system-seller I had hoped it would be when it was announced.

Volgarr the Viking is a brutal throwback to classic game design. Those wanting a challenge and who don’t mind repetition should not miss this.

Puppeteer is an odd game. There is no better way to put it, but it is also unique and charming in its presentation. I found the platforming and combat a bit rudimentary for my tastes, but I still couldn’t stop pressing forward to see what the next level looked like.

On the surface Killzone: Mercenary checks all the right boxes, with superb visuals and a robust online mode. Sadly the methodical controls and tacked-on campaign really drag down the experience.

If you’re into fighting games and have yet to try out KOF, you should definitely check out the Steam Edition.

If you enjoy a terrifying game and are not prone to heart attacks, this $20 fright-fest is for you. Just be warned, it is not for the faint of heart.

Fighting game fans that are really hardcore into the genre and have some friends that would like to play this locally are really the only ones I could recommend Chaos Code to.

If you’re a hardcore strategy fan it’s definitely worth a look, and if you’re new to the genre and have the patience to learn, it’s not a bad place to start.

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.

Diablo III is a fantastic game that gets even better on consoles. This is something I never thought I would say.

Avoid this one, even if you are a die hard LotR fan.

As much as I liked The Dark Descent, A Machine for Pigs feels more like a quick expansion than a full on sequel. Fans of the first game will enjoy this quick romp through a new environment, but with its short play time, no replay value and removed mechanics, I still have to recommend a price drop.

Dead or Alive 5: Ultimate is, simply put, more Dead or Alive 5.

Although I didn’t have as much fun as I have had with previous map packs, Apocalypse is still a good offering for Call of Duty fans. Treyarch still know how to make fine maps, and Dig shows that they can get mileage out of recycled content. However, after 16 DLC maps, I think it’s time to move on and look towards the next installment of this relentless franchise.

This is one of those games that you might snag on sale and end up finding enjoyment in its merits. Just know that there are several problems that are impossible to overlook when you do. Still, fans of the Lost Planet series would do well to give it a go when it gets cheaper.

Aside from about fifteen minutes of nostalgia and the title screen, there really is no need to play this game unless you are some kind of sadist. It pains me to say this, but Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time is still the last great TMNT game.

Game Dev Tycoon has some nice bells and whistles and the social commentary and satire on the video game industry is charming at times. The game “has its moments” and “I liked it.” but it still has a limited amount of content that will keep the players coming back for more, and even when they do come back, it will take a while to get into the meat and potatoes of the experience. Still, that first play through was one enjoyable ride down video game history lane.

For those who loved the original (which is included), it might worth the price of admission, but anyone else will do well to stay away.

Killer is Dead is a Suda51 game. If that makes you smile, there is probably something here you will enjoy. If not, then its mediocre combat and weird direction are not going to carry you through the whole experience.

Third-person shooter fans will find some fun, and XCOM fans that don’t mind some real-time action can get their fill as well. Just don’t expect anything revolutionary or mind blowing when playing it.

Disney Infinity is a huge gamble that could pay off over time. As of now it is a massive money sink that can be hard to recommend, especially to those already so invested in that “other” toy game. Still, having the stable of characters and licenses Disney has, it has the potential to be something special.

If you own a Vita, there’s really no reason why you should not have this game.

Being a three-year old game, Lords of Shadow still feels fresh. This adventure is just as much fun as I remember it, and digging back into it only furthers my excitement for the sequel.

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

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.

All in all Superfrog HD is not a bad game. It has a lot of content for its price, and tries to bring on the charm with its characters. Most of it works fairly well. The jumping and the camera may become a bother, but the game is not so overly difficult that players won’t mind a bad jump here and there.

Payday 2 is a great game when you have the right participants. This is a co-op game, and that cannot be stressed enough. If you intend to go in solo, there is little here to warrant a purchase. However, if you have a regular crew of three friends willing to take on heists with you, there is little else like this experience. Not to mention it is extremely fun when played right.

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.

Still, even with the slight loss of frame rate during combat and lackluster end-game content, Tales of Xillia stands as one of the best RPGs I’ve played this year. Filled with charming and interesting characters and held together by a rock solid combat engine, this is a tale well worth experiencing.

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.

Your inner kid wants you to play this game. Do it for them. You will not be disappointed.

Fans of Worms will find enough new here to keep things fresh while newcomers can have plenty of fun too.

It feels less robust than the last game, but the amount of fun I derived is more than worth diving in for. Grab yourself a donkey beer and a tentacle bat, it is time for some virtual stimulation.

In the end there’s not much to say about The Smurfs 2 because there’s not much to the game. Kids who are young enough will enjoy the storybook and mini-games, but it’s a hard sell for anyone old enough to handle something more challenging. For those with young children who enjoyed the movie it’s not a bad game, but anyone else will find better ways to spend $30.

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

Even with its notable flaws, my time with Beatbuddy was mostly positive. When I was in the groove, bobbing my head and solving puzzles the time seemed to fade away… to the beat of the music.

Smurfs 2 is a safe platformer that just so happens to be attached to a big summer movie. Parents with kids heavily into the movie could certainly do a lot worse as far as a game is concerned. Being able to play co-op is a huge bonus, and I could easily get lost playing this for hours with my son. It is a solid outing that hands out Achievements like Smurf Berries (for those that care). If you’re a parent whose child is obsessed with The Smurfs, I definitely recommend checking it out.

Divinity: Dragon Commander is a classic example of the sum of the whole being greater than its individual parts.

Cloudberry Kingdom is a fun romp with a good gimmick to keep it fresh. I can easily see players getting lost in the challenge, while others will stop simply because of the frustration that comes from the later levels. While it could use some spice in the presentation department, there is no denying that Cloudberry Kingdom accomplishes what it sets out to do; and it does it very well.

Do Not Fall may have its frustrations, but the overall game play is sound. If you really enjoy puzzle platforming games, it’s not a bad choice.

My only real complaint is that 1200 points may be a bit steep for a game that can be finished in a few sittings and has minimal replay value. Still, it’s a good start to the Summer of Arcade, and anyone looking for something different will do well to check it out.

Pikmin 3 is a fantastic game that oozes with charm. The levels are short enough that they scream “just one more day”. It also helps that game play is so tight, and the design feels so good. While it may not be my most anticipated franchise from the Nintendo stables, I cannot help but fall in love with the quirky Koppites and their quest for food. Pikmin 3 is one of the best reasons to own a Wii U so far.

At $14.99 it is perfect for gamers that cut their FPS teeth on games like the original and others like it. Interceptor has done an amazing job at recreating one of my fondest memories of PC gaming.

BIT.TRIP FATE is best suited to shooter fans who enjoy the challenge of besting their high score by repeating the same levels multiple times. It does provide plenty of challenge, and even on the default difficulty I had my hands full simultaneously watching my character and firing reticle.

Fans of the arcade beat ‘em ups of past would regret passing this one by. It is a simple, yet deceptively in-depth brawler that keeps you coming back for more; and thankfully it just keeps on giving.

For fans of the series, you all pretty much know what you’re getting into with Dynasty Warriors 8. For newcomers looking for a fun time killing droves and droves of enemies, you have found your game.

If you’re big into side scrolling beat ‘em ups, Dusty Revenge is not a terrible choice for your money; just remember it’s all about the game play over the story and sometimes that game play is a little off.

Strength of the Sword 3 is one of the better combat arena games that have been released recently. By concentrating on skill over button mashing, you have a game that requires more attention than most. It may have a few issues, but seeing as it was made by just two guys trying to make it in the game development world.

The first episode of “The Raven” stumbles out of the gate slightly due to its archaic design and somewhat weak puzzles. Fortunately, it manages to compose itself and stands tall thanks to its strong story and an interesting cast of characters. While it’s definitely doesn’t have the mass appeal of “The Walking Dead”, I’m sure it will find an audience among the lovers of all things mystery.

Scourge: Outbreak is a solid game, either single player or co-op. While it has some quirks (like starting me from the wrong checkpoint when I resumed a game), for the price it’s a solid and fairly lengthy experience. There’s nothing Earth shattering here, but for 800 points it’s a good option for players who enjoy the style.

R.I.P.D. is not a bad game, just a simple one. It is something I would recommend hammering out in a weekend with a buddy over some beers, and likely never playing it again. Still, for ten bucks it is worth that weekend if there is nothing else to keep you occupied. I had fun with it, and that is more than I can say for most $10 titles, especially ones with a useless movie license tied to them.

For those that own a Vita I suggest picking up Vanillaware’s entry on the machine. It is gorgeous, with stylistic and deep combat, and just plain enjoyable. Anyone clamoring for more software on Sony’s portable should look no further.

It’s simple but deceptively deep and addictive. It’s not the definitive title in the series that will turn naysayers into fans, but at a modest $6.99, it’s a good distraction to have on the go.

For your money, it’s not a completely terrible title for big fans of pure stealth titles. Just don’t expect anything amazing.

Time and Eternity is a game of great ambitions, but due to some rather poor design choices and budget restraints, it manages to achieve almost nothing it sets out to do. I’m sorry NISA (you know I love you), but it seems you picked a stinker this time around.

While I enjoyed my time questing, the fact that I barely gained a level and found almost nothing of value the entire time was really disheartening. Overall I had fun, but the experience fell short of what it could have been.

In the end, Velocity Ultra stands as one of my favorite 2D scrolling shooters and a pleasant surprise that harkened back to the day where I was eagerly looking forward to each new release in the genre.

Leisure Suit Larry is a franchise that most have forgotten, and others never really cared about. I loved the idea of his return, and after playing it was certainly a nice trip down memory lane. That is about all it is though. Those that have never played the series will find little here, and people like me who have fond memories of the franchise will chuckle at the return, but likely run out of steam before it concludes. Still, the ride is certainly worth checking out if you recall the name Larry Laffer.

Shin Megami Tensei IV is one of those games where many people have probably heard the name but have never tried a game in the series. This is a great beginning point for anyone that has never played a MegaTen game before.

While it was nice to dig back in for a while, I have moved on to other titles now, so anyone looking for a double dip will likely not get as much mileage out of this version. For the few that have yet to play it though, you are in for a treat. The PC version is by far the best looking iteration of the game, and the amount of content packed in here will keep players occupied for months. That is of course if the online manages to get a foothold.

With everyone’s attention being steered towards Call of Duty: Ghosts, it’s great to see that Treyarch still have their eye on the ball. Buried may have finally ‘buried’ my interest in the Zombie mode, but let’s not forget the real reason why people are still playing Black Ops 2 online; the amazing selection of maps, and Vengeance has just added four new killer ones to the mix.

As it stands NCAA Football 14 is enough to get by, but not enough to revolutionize the series.

Element4l really surprised me. I was not expecting to find this much enjoyment out of what looked like just another platforming game that has been popping up in droves lately. For only $10 on Steam, Element4l will offer up a good challenge with some unique mechanics and presentation; not to mention a fantastic soundtrack. If you don’t mind a little trial and error, Element4l is a great purchase.

Those who liked the past few games and even those looking to play Magic: The Gathering for the very first time should all pick up Duels of the Plainswalkers 2014. I can’t suggest it enough.

Deadpool is fun. I cannot stress enough how much I value an entertaining experience, which is what High Moon delivers here. Fans of the character will love it, and if you are like me and are only vaguely familiar, the tropes and meta humor carry it through the brief campaign.

Hotline Miami is truly a unique experience packaged in a bloody mess of human skin and entrails. It’s a title that grips the player with its sharp, visceral game play and asks uncomfortable questions which there aren’t clear answers to.

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

Game & Wario is disappointing mainly because the heart of the series feels stripped out, and in its place is a collection of mostly uninspired mini-games. I really wanted to see Nintendo take advantage of the Gamepad in unique ways, not just have me tilt to steer.

This DLC is for those that are still getting enjoyment from the multiplayer, or for those that want a great new mode to play. But at 1000msp, I can’t really see this map pack as being something that will get you back in to the game if it has been sitting on your shelf collecting dust for the past few months.

ArcaniA – The Complete Tale stands as one of the worst games I have ever played to completion in my nearly twenty years of gaming. It’s an example of how a terrible porting job can serve to do nothing but damage your intellectual property. A clear case in which losses should have been cut and accepted but instead we have this tragedy of a game, unfit for even the most hardcore action RPG fan.

Fans of both Portal and other puzzle games should really take a look. For $20, players will get a good seven to eight hour game that tells a decent story and offers up some pretty challenging game play puzzles.

Looking past the dumb mini-games and small issues, I can see just how enjoyable Thunder Wolves can be. If you enjoy a good action title with a lot of explosions, you may want to check it out.

New Super Luigi U is a fantastic package for the $19.99 price tag. There are a ton of new levels, and the unique mechanics create a whole new experience.

Project X Zone is a great game for RPG players. It may not get too difficult, but the fan service that has been implemented is one that anyone who enjoys these companies should play and see. The combat is simple, yet complex enough to keep the hardcore happy. Plus, it is just pure fun to play and watch unfold. Project X Zone is a great addition to the 3DS line up and I highly suggest it to any casual RPG fan.

For $10 it is sometimes hard to critique a game too much, but in the case of Fireburst there is just nothing here to warrant a purchase. The floaty controls kill the fun, the annoying characters force me to mute and the broken mechanics siphon the fun out of what should be a killer concept. Factor in that no one is online playing it and you have an experience not worth having.

There’s no doubt in my mind that Neverwinter is most certainly a fun game to play, standing proudly amongst the other F2P MMOs as one of the front liners. However, the suspect use of the F2P model along with a linear, unimaginative quest progression and a lack of good end game content make me feel it still has much to grow before I can proclaim it to be the F2P that completely wiped away the stigma they hold in today’s game market.

Fans of action RPGs and Marvel comics will have a decent time with Marvel Heroes. Just don’t get too excited to play your favorite characters without handing over some cash.

Undead Labs has created what I truly wanted out of something like The Walking Dead as a video game, and anyone who is a fan of that type of drama should definitely check it out. Be aware of the technical issues going in though, they will be the one thing that can truly hold this title back.

Storm is a soothing puzzle game that teases the brain just enough without getting frustrating, and that is a win in my book.

While the puzzles can become frustratingly difficult with not much reward, the mysterious story had me coming back. Fans of adventure games will find their fill with Night of the Rabbit, and the visuals don’t hurt either.

It’s rather impressive for a couple of arcade games from the 90s. With the extra challenges, multiple paths and endings in place, players can replay several times and still have a great experience. I highly suggest Chronicles of Mystara.

Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move is a fun, frantic puzzle game that I really enjoyed.

The Last of Us is a testament to game design. Naughty Dog continues to perfect their craft at immersive storytelling, while still delivering one amazing game to play.

LEGO City Undercover is a solid exclusive title for Nintendo’s machine; especially with the severe lack of software currently on the market. If you own a Wii U and can tolerate the shortcomings of the LEGO series it is easy to recommend. Those who have grown tired of the massive collect-a-thons though might find themselves rolling their eyes again at the tedium that ensues.

Sniper Elite V2 for the Wii U is a travesty. I really enjoyed the campaign, but stripping out half of the features and asking full price is criminal.

Pool Nation has the look and the feel of a really great Pool sim, and any fan would be advised to pick it up. It may not cater to the wider crowd, but pool games aren’t exactly a dime a dozen, and seeing one come along that does so many things right will make any PS3 playing hustler happy.