“FORCED” feels like a game made for a very specific niche of players who really enjoy co-op games with a bit of a brain and have a thing for leaderboards.

There’s a ton of content, and the game’s presentation is really impressive. While I was disappointed in the need to grind out ship upgrades, it wasn’t enough to dull my enthusiasm for the rest of the package.

I wanted to love Alien Rage. I tried to like Alien Rage, but at the end of day, the game made me not want to play it. Twitch shooters are one of my favorite things to play mindlessly and yet I couldn’t stomach this one for more than an hour or two at a time. No online multiplayer, bad frame rate problems and dying every five feet is not a recipe for enjoyment.

Fans of the original Giana Sisters will find more of what they loved from the first game, and newcomers can ease into the series with the relaxed difficulty setting. The Giana Sisters continues to be one of this generation’s best platforming experiences.

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

Overall it’s a good time, although it feels slightly overpriced for a game that has been out on the PC for over a year (and is currently $10 cheaper there). For those looking for some fast, nostalgic action it’s a solid choice, although a price drop would make it a more enticing package.

For the price tag I highly recommend checking out this sleeper hit. I was shocked at just how much fun it brought me out of nowhere.

Defense Technica is not a bad game. In fact, it’s fairly well made and entirely playable. However, there just wasn’t enough here to hold my interest for too long as knowing there are simply too many exceptional tower defense games available on PC that I could play instead.

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

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

Girl Fight is a game that lives up to its name, both in relevancy and simply being generic. Anyone thinking of jumping in knows what to expect, but if you want scantily clad fighters, there are much better options.

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

Aside from the presentation and art style, there is really no way I could suggest Knock-Knock to players. Unless you really enjoy trial and error game play and confusing mechanics that aren’t explained, you may want to stay away.

The entire time I played Montague’s Mount, I felt lost, helpless, blind, crippled and confused. Unfortunately, that doesn’t make for a very good or interesting game.

Clocking in at around two hours, this is the best looking, best playing and most polished game that Telltale has created to date and while it’s a bit lacking in the idea that each choice has great weight and meaning behind them, it’s still a fantastic title and a truly promising beginning for what might become Telltale’s greatest work yet.

Either way, while entirely playable in its current form, there isn’t much of note to play around with here and perhaps time would be better spent playing other, superior multiplayer games.

Fans of the DC universe will have fun with all of the possibilities, and anyone else willing to overlook some game play snags can have fun here. Ultimately though, the mechanical and presentation issues keep the game from shining as brightly as it could.

Skylanders SWAP Force is at the cusp of feeling like series fatigue, but is also the best in the series to date. Even if you might be feeling a little burnt out on the genre, it only took one level before I was sucked back in. Once again I am lost in the world of Skylanders, and it remains the toy-to-game series to beat.

Playing against other human beings is where Worms shines the most and it’s just as fun as I remember it those many years ago.

There is so much to see and do in NBA 2K14 it can feel overwhelming for someone like me who isn’t a huge fan of the sport. The sheer attention to detail and ease of use though really drew me into the experience. The Lebron story mode is a novel idea, and the presentation is simply awe-inspiring.

It does have it’s moments of difficulty, but fans of side-scrolling shooters looking for a decent romp through a Mega Man-esque experience should take a look at A.R.E.S.

Armored Core: Verdict Day is a solid entry for those that have stuck with it since day one. Anyone coming in fresh or even returning from the series’ past is in for a rude awakening. The unfriendly design and gross presentation are quick deterrents to an otherwise massively deep experience. I cannot recommend the game to anyone outside that small niche, which is where I see this series slowly fading into the darkness if From Software doesn’t make some massive changes, and soon.

While it might not invoke as much "emotion" as some would like, it generates more than almost any other title this generation.

Shadow Warrior is great for both fans of the original and anyone looking for something fresh in the genre. There isn’t much else out there quite like Lo Wang and his sword.

The encyclopedia of DC characters though is impressive, and clearly where they spent the bulk of their time in development. I almost could lose myself in that aspect, and never actually play the game itself. That speaks volumes about a $60 title. I just wish there was more focus on the unique boss battles and ideas that could have helped create a better experience.

For $6, Saturday Morning RPG is a steal for anyone who grew up with 80′s cartoons. The references will keep you smiling and the interesting combat will keep you playing. I can’t suggest it enough.

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.