Monopoly Streets is a fantastic rendition of the classic board game that offers up just about any combination of play styles you can imagine.

ith 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.

Last of Us 2 is a hard game to critique. On one hand it sets new bars for performance capture and visual fidelity. Naughty Dog is truly head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to these areas. The world is impeccably detailed and the game is a true showpiece for visual fidelity. On the other hand it is just not fun to play at times. Whether it is the uncomfortable nature of what is happening or the fact that the game play feels like an afterthought to everything else included in the package. Combine that with a story that is sure to disappoint fans of the series and we have a mixed bag of emotions. There is no doubting the quality of this game, but I am not sure I needed or even wanted this sequel upon completing it.

These games are always a guilty pleasure and this debut on Switch certainly fits the bill. The addition of the 2D events is by far the highlight of this package. I just wish there were more of them. I love that these games drop every couple of years and deliver almost every time. Anyone looking for yet another great Switch game to play with friends, this is another great addition to the library.

The controls are silky smooth and responsive, the visuals are fantastic, and the multi-player is certainly proficient, but nothing really makes it stand out from the herd.

The co-op is fun, the action is intense and in fact the only negative things about this game are the camera, story, and pop in graphics. If you can get past all of those things underneath you might not find the ultimate 50-Cent experience but you will at the very least find a pretty good action arcade shooter.

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

With so much focus on creating an interactive experience in games today it is always nice to see one that simply focuses on being fun. The Club may not be the most intricate experience you will have on the consoles this year, but it certainly will be one of the most intense.

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

Mole Control may not be a perfect game and it sure as hell doesn't follow the fall and rise of a dysfunctional family in the town of Molar Creek. But what it is, is a fun title that can be enjoyed by a vast audience. A good balance of difficulty but challenging puzzles makes sure the player is never bored.

Crackdown 3 is exactly what I wanted. That is most glowing praise I can give it. I loved the original game, I really despised the second one, and this entry brings me back to what made that original so special. It never attempts to stray from being the big stupid sandbox it sets out to be. While not pushing the series further it does great at respecting the source material. For those that have Gamepass this is a treat. Download it and play it. For $60 though I feel like the price tag might be a touch much.

Metal: Hellsinger is a raw, old-school style of FPS, which a kick ass soundtrack that showcases a new rhythm mechanic (using original music from the team) while including lots of things from the recent versions of the Doom franchise. ‘Glory Kills’, air dashing and more are all here but even with those elements the developers have done enough to make Metal: Hellsinger feel different and unique all on its own. Its inclusion of the rhythm mechanics and even the ‘bullet hell’ aspects of some fights that have players dodging bullets and enemies around an arena is one of those things. This might not be the best example of a demon slaying game done right, but this is a fantastic tribute to those that have come before and a great example of thinking outside the box and taking a change on something different in a sea of sameness.

The most surprising part of all is just how enjoyable it really is. While the game is much too simple for the hardcore RPG player, casual fans and newcomers will adore the simplicity and entertainment the title brings with it.

Mantis Burn Racing is worth the time for arcade racing fans.

If you would call yourself a SoulCalibur purist and long for the days where you could show off how good you were in SoulCalibur II to everyone in the world, this might be for you, otherwise it’s just another cash grab HD re-release with very little new substance.

I think my time with Ash of Gods: Redemption was well spent, despite getting a very cryptic bad ending to the story. The writing was stellar and the world was super interesting. I hope to see more of it. Other than my own personal tastes I can’t fault this game for much. It’s gorgeous and I’d like to see more from this team and this franchise.

Bridge Constructor Portal is not the Portal game many would have been expecting, but with the reassuring presence of GLaDOS and the Companion Cubes (also, coincidently, the name of my new band), it’s nevertheless enough to scratch that ‘fun with portals’ itch left in the wake of Portal 2.

The Shadowrun Trilogy may be dated, but it is a worthy game to check out for people who enjoy turn-based combat. The fact that it is available on Game Pass also makes the barrier to entry much easier. This is also a beefy combination of games to get through with each one offering up their own unique setting and narrative. I am not the biggest fan of these types of games but Shadowrun Returns delivers on all fronts on what it sets out to do making it easy to recommend to just about anyone.

For fans of not just the three games in this series but the lore behind them, this DLC is almost a must play for the story alone.

Pinball FX 2's Epic Quest board seems like an absolutely marvelous way for a pinball newbie with an interest in giving it a shot to explore the genre. It eases a lot of the problems that would turn many of us off, while adding some clever new elements that deserve appreciation.

Super Daryl Deluxe is difficult game to describe due to its strange narrative and mix-match of gameplay elements. It draws inspiration from many movies and games alike and while it certainly could have used a lot more polish, it’s a worthy effort and a promising start to a brand new indie development team.

Ghost Recon: Wildlands is a rather fun co-op game. It’s made for co-op and should be played in co-op. While I’m against the solo play, I will say that solo players will have some rough times trying to get the AI to cooperate with you. But with a squad of four players, tagging enemies, syncing shots, and doing crazy stunts like jumping out of a helicopter onto and enemy base just to see what will happen is what really makes this game special. There are some issues here and there, and while the game can be difficult, it feels fair for the most part. The run and gun shooter fans may be put off from it, but I highly suggest Wildlands to players that are looking for a fun co-op shooter with some more tactical aspects. There’s a lot here for anyone who likes making their own fun in a giant sandbox.

Deceit 2 is billed as an online social deduction horror game and it definitely is. Players will have to play attention to their surroundings as well as make sure they aren’t being to weird as to make someone think they are the traitor. I really enjoy Deceit 2, its feels like a ‘grown up’ version of the great game Among Us. With a rewards track that includes costumes and even skins for tools there is always something to unlock, not to mention all the various tools that are unlocked as players progress as an innocent. Deceit 2 is a great game to play with friends or randoms, and being the perfect price of Free makes it even better.

While I suggest picking it up for the comedy factor and some of the stylish game play, I would still recommend you wait for a slight price drop for now, but when it does happen, pick this one up.

For $15, hardcore strategy fans should take a look at Anomaly 2, but be warned, it can get messy in there and when it does, you’re going to need a cool head if you want to survive.

The Thaumaturge is a dark game that deals with some of the darkest depths of human nature. There is uncomfortable language surrounding disabled and homosexual characters, depictions of mental illness and more but these are all time-appropriate; no matter how harsh it may seem to view through the lens of 2024. In the hands of the developers at Fool’s Theory these themes are treated in a way to not glorify the past but it helps to shed the light on the negative stigmas from the past and show how they even still exist in today’s world. While I will admit, I almost checked out early on The Thaumaturge due to its somewhat boring gameplay loop, I am glad I didn’t because the story that it told made up for the moments of boredom.

Afro Samurai is heavy on style and aggression, so it stinks that things like the camera get in the way of a game you really want to love. Afro Samurai is a six-hour excursion with plenty of ill-conceived aspects, but katana-wielding destruction is yours for the taking if you can cope with the oversights.

With its low barrier of entry for controls and special moves; Omina is easy to pick up and just moderately difficult to master and with its rollback netcode for online multiplayer when you need a break from some of the bigger anime fighters, I recommend checking out Phantom Breaker: Omina.

Overall, Top Spin 3 does a great job approximating the real talent it takes to play tennis at a competitive level.

Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap is a fun, nostalgic romp that brings some of its legacy issues along for the ride. For those that can adapt to that, it is a great game. I am all for bringing back lesser-known titles, especially from consoles such as the Master System, as long as the same love and care is poured into them.

Monopoly Streets is a fantastic rendition of the classic board game that offers up just about any combination of play styles you can imagine.

WRC 10 is a game where fans will notice the tweaks and additions, while casual fans will ask why upgrade? This is common among games that focus on specific sports and genres. There is enough here though for diehards to consider upgrading. I am not thrilled that some of the interesting content is locked behind DLC, but even with that hangup the tweaks and additions make this version a worthy successor. This entry won’t change anyone’s opinion of the realistic rally genre, but for those that enjoy it, there are few better options on the market.

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

Bright Memory: Infinite is a shooter that accepts what it is. It feels great, the shooting is sublime, and it is impressive considering the development team behind it. There is a lot here to love and it feels like a shooter from the golden era of the genre. I had a ton of fun and with a low price point entry this is a game that screams to be played. Don’t sleep on this game, it is fast, fun, and truly a technical marvel. Don’t sleep on Shelia’s adventure, just maybe stick to the default outfits.

The lack of online and the feeling of taking a few steps back from the last effort are the only real deterrents to this overall solid experience.

Time Crisis 4 is an exceptionally well-designed game that only suffers the crime of being an out-of-date genre.

This series started as a budget title and still looks like a budget title when compared in both depth of gameplay and graphics to other full priced games. It’s hard to recommend this title at $60 to anyone but the hardest of hard core EDF fans.

Fatal Frame II Remake is a solid update to one of, if not the scariest game ever created. The new features are a welcome addition, even with its drawbacks. I still want the same treatment for the first and third games respectively, but this is a good start. Just make sure to tone down the reaching mechanic and please make them 60fps out of the gate. This series was the best sleeper horror series during the PS2 era, and I would love for players today to experience the original trilogy in all of its glory.

The action is about as tight as in World at War, but the hub town kills the momentum. In exchange, though, you get demonic Nazis and fun retro-scifi weapons. If you can't get enough FPS action, and can't wait for Modern Warfare 2, this is worth twelve hours of your life

Just be aware of the touch screen's limitations.

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.

Daemon X Machina might not be Nintendo’s most high-profile title of 2019, but I really enjoyed what it brought to the table. Mixing in nostalgia from the early Armored Core days and mixing it with over-the-top anime style action is a truly great combination. I wish the performance and aesthetic was a little better, but every other facet of its presentation really makes up for it. If you are like me and have fond memories of losing hours in classic Armored Core games this is the next best thing. Especially considering From Software seems like they are never going to revisit their mech franchise again.

Blur has its flaws, and a lot of them are the result of good ideas not working out, this however doesn't deter from the fun factor that the game produces.

The humor is fantastic, the level designs are truly fun and the gameplay is a classic formula that takes no chances, but still delivers a good time.

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

Mirage is a title that takes some getting used to, but once the player gets over the initial hump, there is a stylish spectacle hack and slash here the fans of the genre will surely enjoy.

However these shortcomings of our metal clad hero does not change the fact that Machinarium is a great addition to the classic adventure genre, and should be played by anyone who enjoys these types of games.

Even though their gamble with the online connectivity and a few fundamental mechanics fell flat on its face, as a long time fan to the series, I found the experience pretty enjoyable all the same.

Those who have never bought into the series will not be blown away by the new additions. Those who love the games will enjoy this one as well, even with some touchscreen missteps.

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.

Age of Zombies is a fun romp that includes all the essentials to make it stand out. The only concern I had was the price-to-content ratio. The game is extremely repetitive and can really give your fingers cramps if playing on a PSPgo.

All in all, Factotum 90 is not a bad puzzle game. I had a decent little time with it and at the cost of six bucks, I’d say puzzle fans should give it a shot.

While Rebirth 2 is a massive improvement over the PS3 version in terms of performance, I felt the newly included mechanics and playable characters didn’t quite add enough to warrant double dipping for those like me who have already finished the title once before.

One Piece: World Seeker is by far the best the series has been in game form. Combat feels good even if it is one note. The world is simply stunning to traverse through and the story and characters really carried me through to the end. I wish it was more fleshed out in terms of variety. One Piece continues to be a series I have an affinity for even without ever having experienced the anime, which means I will most likely be on-board for whatever comes next.

Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is a solid foundation for a new IP with fluid combat and fun exploration but fails to topple its spiritual predecessor due to oversimplification of customization and a lackluster PC port.

Ittle Dew 2 is actually a decently paced and pretty fun action adventure game. The controls never ruined the experience for me, and with the amount to see and do and the ease of use the entire game can be, I feel like anyone who grew up playing classic Zelda games will enjoy this one enough to see it through to the end. Just remember, it is more on the simpler side. At the same time, I feel like this may be a bit of a short experience for some epically for the $20 price point.

Phantom Breaker: Battlegrounds Overdrive is a solid game with a steep learning curve without much in the way of tutorials. For those with patience to learn its intricacies, it is extremely rewarding, and a ton of fun. For those looking for a casual romp through a mindless beat ‘em up, this is not the game for you.

Epic Mickey: Rebrushed feels like a triumphant return that beautifully blends nostalgia with modern some enhancements. The visuals are captivating, the gameplay is enjoyable, and the heartwarming story still shines. However, the absence of voiced characters feels like a significant missed opportunity, one that could have taken the emotional experience to new heights. Despite this, Rebrushed remains a must-play in a sea of great platformers, inviting players to rediscover the magic of creativity and adventure in Wasteland. Whether you’re revisiting or experiencing it for the first time like I did, Mickey’s artistic journey is one worth taking.

It feels weird to go backwards with these releases. Raiden III is by far the simplest I have checked out so far. Evolution in reverse is a bold choice. Still the simplicity of the combat makes for an addictive nature. I was coming back over and over to unlock new tunes to listen to and the visuals are still excellent. I love a good shooter and the Raiden series is always a good time. The price tag is also low enough that I don’t have a lot to knock. If you love shooters this is a great addition to your collection.

Fire Emblem: Engage falters as a follow up to what I consider to be the best the series has to offer thus far. However, despite its failings with its lackluster story and characters, the deep customization and enjoyable combat makes it one well worth experiencing anyway.

NHL 21 feels like an incremental step up from last year’s game. What I enjoyed is that even with my limited knowledge of the sport I could hop in and have a great time. I really will come back once the NHL 94 mode drops into the game. Those classic games were great even if I had no clue what icing was. For those looking to upgrade it might not be revolutionary, but this year’s game sure is a lot of fun once you get past its shortcomings.

There is plenty to see and do here, but if you have been playing since the beginning it may all feel a bit too familiar to warrant another fifty of your hard earned dollars.

A great addition to the PSP library and certainly a much needed breath of fresh air from all the recent ports and remakes. With slick visuals and solid controls you will certainly find plenty to enjoy.

It is a wonderfully complex game that has the potential to steal hundreds of hours of your gaming time if you have enough friends to enjoy it with.

Undisputed is a fantastic attempt to bring boxing back into the forefront of video games. The engaging career mode, realistic graphics, and well-executed in-ring action make it a strong contender in the otherwise quiet genre. For boxing enthusiasts who have been missing these games, Undisputed does a great job of bringing the thrill of the ‘sweet science’ to life. While I wish the roster had more current big names and the commentary was better; Undisputed still manages to stand tall as king of the ring for now.

Plays like Raven Software’s love letter to the Marvel Universe and improves on a tiring game formula with more depth and customization. Though not that pretty to look at, it serves its purpose as a fast, multiplayer friendly old school beat-em up, even if its all been done before.

The Legacy of Kain series deserves to come back, and this collection is a nice first step. These games are dated, but still excellent. The price tag is decent at $30, but I do wish it had a little more meat to it. Still, I can highly recommend these games. Just be prepared to deal with the quirkiness of the beginning of 3D gaming. It will take some time, but the investment is worth it.

Overall, DOA6 is a nice package. While the grind for the costumes is real, the quest modes is a great way to learn more about all the characters in the game, and while the online mode is sparse for now, the support for this game will come in due time. Aside from all of that, the most important thing is the fighting mechanics and DOA6 delivers in that aspect. This is a great fighting game for both beginners and advanced players. The ins and outs take some getting used to, but once you do, you feel the satisfaction of pulling off that amazing counter and finishing up with a devastating combo, and end the end, that’s all that matters. Fighting game fans will have a great time here.

Ultimately, Law & Order is a well-paced and enjoyable experience for fans. The combination of hand-drawn backgrounds and cel-shaded character art is a nice blend, marred only by some odd shadow effects. I didn't experience any glitches with the game other than the odd audio crackle, even with the in-game audio settings turned down.

A fighting game featuring characters from multiple beloved series I’ve come to adore through over a decade of fierce competition should have been nothing short of a dream come true. However, reality has a bad habit of encroaching on all precious dreams, and while the final product plays well enough, it stands not as the glorious celebration of Arcsys fighters history but instead as bittersweet reminder of what could have been.

At $40 it has a lot to offer. I never found myself angry or bored revisiting previous levels. There’s a fair bit of content for that $40, it’s just that it isn’t perfect and one should know that going into Battle Through Time. Fans of Samurai Jack however will most likely love this game as it canonically takes place during the final season as Jack is trapped in time. I also think Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time is great for both adults and kids (whilemost action games nowadays definitely leans to a predominately adult audience). Definitely check it out in that downtime between big releases as there’s plenty here to be impressed by.

Grey Goo, if you’ll excuse the pun, oozes originality. It’s a refreshing take on a classic style of real-time strategy gaming.

Though it has no multiplayer, the single player story is engaging enough to sit through even if extremely straightforward and linear.

A nice throwback to old school platforming; a good playing, but muddy looking, 3D extravaganza.

Tachyon Project seems to take a lot of inspiration from Geometry Wars but puts its own spin on things. Taking cues from one of the best twin stick shooters ever made, isn’t a bad thing in the slightest.

If you are looking for an easy RPG the game is definitely for you, but if you want something a little more challenging I would stay away from this one. I feel there are a lot better games the PSP has to offer, that are out or on the way out.

Attack on Titan was a shock for me. It isn’t going to revolutionize any genre, but there truly is little else like it out there. Fans of the anime are sure to enjoy the attention to detail in almost everything, and like most Warriors games there is enough of an RPG element to keep battles from becoming too much of the same thing over and over.

Despite the lack of challenge and somewhat underwhelming story, I still found myself thoroughly enjoying the fast paced combat, and as I continued to experiment with different weapon types and skill loadouts losing countless hours, I knew the niche that God Eater has carved out for itself is most certainly well deserved.

The game play is not going to blow anyone away, but it was interesting enough to keep me entertained for long enough to get my money’s worth out of it.

There is quality here – the gameplay and strategy are genuinely sound, the campaign is worth the investment, and the universe is rich and compelling. This is a flawed title, but BattleTech’s nuanced tactical depth and engaging system of progression will ultimately sustain it over the long haul.

Rango is yet another solid licensed game that obviously had some time and thought put into it.

Last of Us II Remastered could have been a cash grab with the success of the TV show, but instead feels like a solid upgrade with a reasonable path for owners of the original. The added content is more than worth the asking price, and the game remains one of the most impressive technical feats of all time.

Rango is yet another solid licensed game that obviously had some time and thought put into it.

It’s horror, it’s interesting in premise, and it’s easy enough to get into because I was digging the core story. Perhaps that’s all it really takes sometimes.

While Iwakura Aria isn’t Mages Inc’s best work, the mystery of the Iwakura family was one well worth uncovering, featuring a great sense of suspense and foreboding dread that kept me reading well past my bedtime.

If you were a fan of the original Xenosaga game on PS2; then you will be comfortable with cutscenes and exposition in Xuan Yuan Sword 7. It really is a beautiful game with a heartwarming albeit mature story to tell.

If anyone comes into these remasters expecting Metroid Prime or Skyward Sword levels of work, be prepared to be disappointed because these releases are more akin to the Super Mario Sunshine reissue included with Super Mario 3D All-Stars. I see the primary audience from Nintendo’s point of view being those who have never played Pikmin who are interested in Pikmin 4, however not having all the options from Pikmin 3 Deluxe (also on Switch) limits the enjoyment for those introduced to the series from that release as the other main Pikmin games were released on systems that don’t have official support anymore and a very small percentage of people actually had a Wii U. Also, the fact that buying the two games separately is $10 more than buying both together is just an odd business strategy. Overall, I would say these games are worth playing, but are unfortunately not definitive versions that wholly replace previous releases or bring changes that future releases would make to the previous titles.

Hitman GO is a unique spin to a franchise and feels like the perfect combination of puzzle and strategy game, especially in quick bursts. I can only handle so much in one sitting, but every time I do play, I find myself sucked in just a little bit more.

Aliens: Dark Descent does a great job of mashing up tactical action and the tension and fear of its source material. Not without its pain points however such as the lip syncing during cutscenes, controller buttons not being recognized usually when in the heat of battle, and some other bugs and glitches. I commend these developers for taking so many different things and successfully putting them together to deliver a wonderful tactical strategy game, some more time gestating and this one would have been ready to really burst forth and do some real damage.

In a bid to move the series forward towards a new direction, Atelier Ryza presents a new exciting combat engine and one of the best takes on alchemy yet, but falters with its plodding pace and a cast of forgettable characters.

Minecraft Dungeons is a solid game that is not only cheap, but accessible. It also helps that it came out on everything and Game Pass owners get to check it out for free. It is great seeing Microsoft expand the series out to more genres. The recognizable fidelity aids in it reaching a larger audience and the price tag makes it an impulse purchase. It also helps that the quality is there. I think anyone who takes a dive into Minecraft Dungeons will have a great time.

Madden NFL 20 is a solid entry with plenty of new additions. I enjoyed the new Face of the Franchise mode and game play improvements, but I was really hoping for tweaked Franchise options and some improved commentary. Still, this is the biggest upgrade to the series in years and I will likely sink yet another 60+ hours into it. I fear the next-generation Madden will take some steps back, so for now I will enjoy Madden 20 for what it is. The best the series has been in a while.

Truth is, $15 is a good price for a fun game, but I'm still not sure why you would choose to spend it here.

For the price, players can get a relatively fun beat ‘em up. The combo system is surprisingly deep and the co-op is fun to play. Sure, the story is overly strange and the overall plot is a little out there, but beating the absolute crap out of humanoid beasts and birds never really gets old. There is some fun to be had in Zeno Clash 2 as long as you keep an open mind when it comes to certain mechanics and the outlandish story.

Attack on Titan 2 is definitely a better game than the first. I just wish it was more new than retread. Still for those that skipped the first game it is easy to recommend. You can basically skip the first game as it is almost entirely recreated here, with plenty of quality of life improvements. Add in the co-op and competitive online modes and it is definitely the better package. An action-packed romp that shows Omega Force has chops outside of the normal Dynasty Warriors formula.

At five times the cost of its iOS counterpart, it’s a bit of a hard pill to swallow, but if the idea of tackling tough courses with a car that can drift and fly sounds like fun to you, it just might be worthwhile.

If there is one thing Army of Two can brag about though its presentation. Visually this game is a monster, sporting some nicely detailed environments and great looking character models.