There’s nothing inherently broken about Castle Storm, it just tries to do too much for its own good. It doesn’t help that the base concept is still very derivative either, and I couldn’t shake the Angry Birds vibe I was getting throughout.

Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon is a stellar sequel to a forgettable classic. Nintendo has refined the formula and made it interesting to fans and even those that didn’t find the appeal behind the original. For those looking for the next great 3DS game, don’t sleep on Luigi’s latest.

There is a lot in this $15 game, and fans of action RPGs should really take a look at it. I highly suggest it.

LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes is a great game marred by bad timing. If you don’t own it already for some peculiar reason, the Wii U version is probably the best iteration. However, if you already walked down this road, there is nothing here to warrant sinking the money in for a second helping.

Techland has truly made the best Call of Juarez game with Gunslinger. I cannot suggest it enough.

If you loved the original series, or even the Wii reboot, this iteration is a must own.

When played with at least two other people, it shines bright, but when tackling solo it is a bore more often than not. I recommend picking this one up after a small price drop, and again only if you can convince your friends to join you.

Even for a relative pinball novice like me, Pinball FX2 has a lot to offer. The feel of real pinball is here, in a game that takes full advantage of its freedom from physical restraints.

In the end, Thunder Wolves is a game that does one thing,”be a fun arcade shooter where one pilots a helicopter and blows up bad guys.”

Fans of 4X games and RPGs should really look into Fallen Enchantress: Legendary Heroes.

Sanctum 2 does a good job of improving on the first game. There are new maps, characters, a fresh perk and upgrade system, enemies; almost everything is new.

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

Go Home Dinosaurs may seem like a Plants vs. Zombies clone on paper, but is only similar in spirit and shouldn’t play second fiddle.

Players looking for a unique grinding experience on Sony’s portable platform should look no further. Soul Sacrifice blends the best aspects of several titles together to create one completely unlike anything else on the market.

In the end, Bad Bots feels and plays like a game made specifically for the Android/iOS market and then sloppily ported to the PC.

A fantastic experience that scratches that survival horror itch better than most games. Playing on Ranger mode is probably the most intense experience I have ever encountered, and the gorgeous visuals really drag players into the dark, damp world.

Again, this is an impossible game to sum up into so many words, and the polarization on how “good” it actually is will never die. One thing is certain though, this experience will not be forgotten for years to come.

Zack Zero is a decent game with some technical and design issues. I love what the team is attempting to do here, and perhaps with time they will perfect it. If anyone enjoys the style of game, there is a solid experience beneath the rough exterior, albeit a little short. For $10 it is hard not to recommend, as long as you know what you are getting into.

Mars: War Logs has flashes of brilliance, mostly stemming from its combat system. I really wanted to love the game more than I did, but it continuously disappointed me with simple flaws.

The conversations in Poker Night 2 are fun, and it fits the feeling of playing a poker game with these characters. For 800 points though, the game falls into a sort of middle ground where it’s hard to fully recommend.

Fans of Gears of War will be best served by buying the DLC Season Pass, as that will offer the best value for money, and they are the type of person most likely to buy all of the DLC. However, it is really hard to recommend this as a stand-alone purchase due to the cost and the lack of content.

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.

Fans of Far Cry 3 should not miss this fantastic experience, and anyone who grew up watching films like Terminator, Aliens and Commando owe it to themselves to play this, as it was certainly crafted by people who understand the culture.

Star Trek: The Video Game is as generic as the name implies. I spent more time wondering why I was doing the things I was doing, instead of just enjoying them. Hardcore fans of the series would be advised to wait until the game hits a massive sale, and you have someone else to play it with. Setting expectations low is a must to enjoy what is offered here.

This is one spaceship that would’ve been better left stationed in the far corner of the universe until it was properly prepped and ready for action.

Dead Island Riptide is by no means a terrible game; it’s just not very fun to play for very long.

In the end, Black Rock Shooter: The Game isn’t quite the standout title that will entrance the world’s audience, but it offers a glimpse of what could have been and makes me hopeful for the future of the series in the gaming medium.

The game’s writing is one of the big highlights. The tutorial sections are hilarious, as is the dialog between characters. Rex is constantly spouting insanely cheesy dialog, and it all works really well.

The bittersweet reality is that Dark Arisen is an incredible package for the price tag, just know what you are getting into. The new area is only for the hardest of the hardcore, so be prepared to die.

The Capcom Arcade Cabinet 1984 pack is solid, featuring three distinctly different games, and some experiences that are fully unique amongst all of Capcom’s arcade offerings. 1942, Pirate Ship Higemaru and SonSon round out the collection nicely, and they’re worth picking up for those who have been following along.

If you can convince your buddies to join in, there is a lot of fun to be had. If solo is the name of your game, you might want to wait for a sub $5 sale.

Injustice: Gods Among Us is a great fighting game that just so happens to be a love letter to fans of DC Comics. Those who enjoy at least one of the two will no doubt get their money’s worth with NetherRealm’s latest.

The game is rather simple in design, but never felt boring even when the combat got far too easy. The character level progression was addicting, and co-op with some friends is a really enjoyable and implemented well.

The premise is solid, but the addition of avatar-forced game play really threw me off. The handling could have been greatly improved without grinding for hours to buy new parts. Still, at 800 pts ($10) it is difficult not to recommend checking out for those who enjoy the genre.

Monaco: What’s Yours Is Mine is truly an outstanding title and it’s here to rob us of our time and money. Yet, just like the perfect heist; no one will be left the wiser as they’ll all be left with a smile on their face.

People that loved the first game will more than likely enjoy Riptide. It may not be revolutionary, but Dead Island Riptide is still an addictive game.

Uprising once again proves that the Call of Duty multiplayer game is very safe in Treyarch’s hands. There isn’t a dull map in there, and Zombie mode continues to improve and add to the experience. If there is something to moan about, it would have to be the cost of the DLC. Picking them all up can run you as much as the original game.

For fans of MegaTen games, this is a must play. RPG fans should really check out Soul Hackers as well. Even if you have never played a game in this series, I can safely say that after some time with the game, everything will be explained and understood. That speaks volumes considering how complex it really can be. There is a ton of content in this package and RPG fans will find it worth every penny.

The game has a special charm to it that is hard to describe. I was never bored while playing, but I was never blown away either. It’s very standard in most aspects, but the dynamic quests and Shadow War PVP really help the game shine.

As always with classic games, those who have fond memories of these specific entries will still enjoy them. For anyone else though, there are better options within Capcom’s arcade library.

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

While the trivial difficulty is certainly a glaring flaw of the game, the overall experience of Papo & Yo is a memorable one; touching upon some themes that will hit close to home to many and giving everyone else in between something to think about long after the credits have rolled.

For those seeking an extra challenge there’s the Insane mode, which removes the level checkpoints. It’s a shame that the game doesn’t explain itself better, but it’s a lot of fun, and constantly had me saying “just one more level”.

Even though it may be a rather short experience, and the controls can be rather tiresome, I can’t really downplay Evoland. The satire on the entire evolution of games and the comical use of RPG tropes had me playing and smiling throughout my experience. For only $10, you get a rather charming title that never overstays its welcome. I was hoping for more by the end, but it didn’t hinder my enjoyment of the overall experience.

It is a unique concept that was very interesting and had me invested until I had to try to control my squad. That is when the mechanics and controls got in my way. If a person takes their time and plays the game safe, they can get a lot out of Signal Ops Players wanting a unique challenge can have some fun as well, but keep in mind, there are going to be many things that hinder this experience.

This is by far the game that should have been released originally, and even while the giant T-Rex fight is still ridiculous, I had a ton of fun slicing enemies in half as the original ninja warrior.

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

Guacamelee is a fantastic, albeit slightly short experience for PS3 and Vita owners. I cannot recommend it enough for anyone who has either system. If you have both, the cross-save/buy mechanic makes it an even greater value being able to take the experience wherever you go. I only wish it would have lasted longer, but for the price there is more than enough here to love.

WRC 3 may have a professional sounding name, but the game is more of a disappointment across the board. The amount of content is both impressive and disappointing at the same time. Nothing here will drag players away from better experiences elsewhere, and the sheer lack of modes just makes it feel like a rushed effort. I really wanted to like WRC 3 much more than I did, due to the fact that I am a sucker for the genre, but sadly it is nearly impossible to recommend to anyone without mentioning competitors in the process.

Army of Two: The Devil’s Cartel is a prime example of a series that has a lot in its way. Nothing here drives the experience forward, and instead leaves most of what makes it special behind.

Bioshock Infinite is a really remarkable game. While the combat may get old at times the story never does, and I really don’t want to write anything about it, because discovering it was such a joy. Any complaints I had were immediately washed away by the game’s incredible ending, which is one of the best game endings I have ever experienced. It’s a well-polished, exceptional experience, and something that I would recommend to anyone.

The combat wore thin, the collection aspect is archaic, yet the narrative payoff is worth every hindrance. That speaks volumes to the construction of the story Ken Levine and his team at Irrational Games have achieved here.

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 14 is a lot of fun, whether alone or with friends, local or worldwide. While this year’s installment has a lot in common with last year’s, that’s not a bad thing, and minor tweaks, like an icon showing the location of the flag, are nice additions. For those who already own PGA Tour 13, the relatively minor differences may not justify the price, but hardcore golf enthusiasts and folks who haven’t played a Tiger game for a while will find a lot of depth here.

The whole point of Terraria is to explore, find weird contraptions and treasure chests, and use new items to make even more awesome things. I just wanted to keep unlocking the secrets of the game, and that is why this simple yet massive game just keeps giving and giving. I have barely scratched the surface, and I can’t wait to play some more.

It may be difficult to get into, but if the game clicks, it becomes rather addicting. Even with a challenging control scheme, I always seemed to work my way through. If you are looking to try your very first Monster Hunter, this is a great place to start. If Tri fans are looking for a portable version, this is the ticket. With some patience and a Circle Pad Pro, you will be gathering items and killing monsters in no time, and even having a good time while doing it.

Fans looking to scratch the survival horror itch will likely still not come away impressed by the direction the series has taken. Resident Evil has become more of an action-horror game; a change I have welcomed with open arms.

Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams looks, plays and sounds terrific. The challenge is balanced nicely with the tight controls and frequent checkpoints, and failure never became overly frustrating.

Runner 2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien feels like the natural evolution of the original Bit.Trip Runner. The heart of the game is still the same, but it comes with a prettier look and expanded gameplay. While I felt like some of the expansion was unnecessary, it’s still a very fun and challenging experience. For new players, it’s more accessible than the original, and for returning vets it’s more of what made the original so unique.

For such a simplistic game, I’m amazed at how deep it can be.

For those that don’t already own the game, this is without a doubt the best package available, but I have to imagine that audience is significantly small. It also lacks enough new to warrant double-dipping for those that already own the game on another platform.

For only $9 on Steam, there is a fun, charming and thought out game to be had in Go Home Dinosaurs. Tower defense fans should not miss it, and it’s so simplistic that almost anyone can pick the game and have a blast with it. I strongly suggest picking this game up. After all, there’s barbeque to be saved.

As a sniper game, it’s not a bad choice, just one that’s saddled with some unfortunate gameplay and presentation issues.

The tactics and strategies devised are simply amazing, and truly speak to the balance for which the series has become known. Heart of the Swarm delivers plenty to give players a swift kick in the pants, especially thanks to the nuances delivered by the new units.

Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2 is a disappointing experience that fails to deliver on the visceral idea of sniping. When recent games have done it so much better, it is hard not to draw comparison.

The content packed into this cart is impressive. The story mode is deep, the fighting is tight and the visuals are gorgeous. The game also packs enough new material to make it worth checking out as a double dip for fans.

There’s a lot to Slam Bolt Scrappers, and the game does a great job of walking you through new concepts as you progress. It’s a unique concept and a lot of fun to play, although the lack of online multiplayer is a real disappointment. Still, there’s plenty of fun to be had in the single player game, and for $10 it’s definitely worth picking up.

Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory is in the middle as far as how well it stacks up to the previous titles. I still prefer Mk2’s battle system over Victory’s simplistic nature. The story and character interactions are well improved in Victory, and these aspects kept me playing. Victory is not a bad game by any means, but it is a clear example of changes made in all the wrong places.

The Amazing Spider-Man for Wii U is a true disappointment, coming out almost a year later with very few added features and diminished visuals.

If it wasn’t so difficult to get high scores in levels, Alien Spidy would be a fun and challenging game, but the combination of a difficult point system, inaccurate controls and constant loading screens between restarts bring this game down to a frustrating chore.

Fans have been clamoring for a new game in the series, and it is likely that Capcom is gauging true interest with this collection. If you are like me and cannot wait for a true Darkstalkers sequel, do not hesitate. Buy this collection now. These two games are still high on my list of favorite fighting games from the 32-bit era.

Capcom Arcade Cabinet Pack 1 follows a formula similar to the original set of games, with a variety including a shooter, vertically scrolling fighter and a side-scrolling platformer. All three games made me glad for the Arcade Cabinet’s casual mode, which allowed me to dial down the challenge and more easily enjoy the experience. The higher price is disappointing, but if you’re a classic arcade fan then these games are worth it.

It is hard not to appreciate what People Can Fly has done with this revered franchise. When we consider this is the fourth game in six years, it might be hard to imagine it still having any steam left. While the changes make all the difference, they don’t sacrilegiously alter the core mechanics; in fact I found them to be refreshing in almost every sense.

God of War: Ascension is a conundrum. The online is more than it should be, and the single player is well executed, but I couldn’t help but feel fatigue with the series set in from time to time.

Dollar Dash isn’t necessarily a bad game; it’s just not a particularly compelling one. The overabundance of items turns the potential for a fun experience into a chaotic mess. I can’t imagine a scenario where I would choose this to play online. There are both better ways to spend $10, and better multiplayer experiences to be had.

Despite its shortcomings, Painkiller is well worth it.

While it’s still working to catch up to its console big brother, MLB: The Show 2013 on the Vita is a very solid game and a great way to take the experience on the go. If next year’s version can continue to improve the visual fidelity and expand on the cross platform functionality, it will be an impressive feat. If you only have a Vita and crave baseball action, you need to pick this up. If you are like me and can’t get enough of the PS3 version, this is an excellent supplement (and you don’t even have to go to BioGenesis or BALCO to get it).

Urban Trial Freestyle is a rather enjoyable game. It frustrated me, and some things felt unfair, but that never stopped me from restarting the track for another shot at beating that ghost. The presentation and customization options are not too exciting, but they get the job done. If you’re into Trials-type games, this is one you may want to try.

Boss fights are fun and varied, and the excellent checkpointing system kept the big encounters from becoming frustrating. Castlevania fans and 3DS owners alike will find a lot to enjoy here.

It would be easy for Sony to rest on their laurels with this franchise, especially considering the downward spiral (and expiring contract) of their only competitor. Instead, they’ve continued to take pride in making sure that The Show is always at the top of its game.

There is a lot going for Etrian Odyssey IV. It is both an achievement in retro gaming while also an evolution to the series as a whole. For those unafraid of an intense RPG challenge, a rewarding experience awaits you.

I would also love to see them bring back more of the unique puzzle designs featured in past games, but as a starting point, Tomb Raider is easily one of my favorite games of the year so far, and one I think deserves to be experienced by everyone. If you have a love for the series or third-person adventure games, this is a must play. Lara is back and better than ever.

Nazi Zombie Army is probably one of the blandest ideas in recent memory. I can hear groans at the simple mention of the name, but I had a ball when I managed to get into a game with three other people. It is like a third-person Left 4 Dead, with x-ray kill cams and fantastic shooting. Everything just feels solid, and for the price tag, it is hard not to recommend it to those still hungry for co-op zombie hunting.

For the most part, Fuel Overdose is a decent game that is hindered by some glaring problems.

MUD: FIM Motocross World Championship is an unfortunately titled mess that really serves no audience.

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

Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Plus does not warrant the ‘Plus’ moniker. The game adds nothing to incentivize a second or third purchase. If you have never played it, and your only experience with the franchise is on the Vita, I can see taking the plunge.

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

For the cost ($4.99), it’s a bargain and an opportunity to add some classic arcade games to your collection.

What really brings these to life is the attention to detail. Zen worked closely with Lucasfilm to capture all the essence of the Star Wars universe. Whenever new dialogue was needed, the studio created it for Zen. This was a collaborative effort that heightens the experience. The layout of each table is recognizable, and the care packed in will bring a smile to Star Wars fans young and old.

As for the game itself, it lives and dies with the multiplayer for me. I loved the new Hunter mode, and I still enjoy the core online game more than most other shooters. The campaign on the other hand just felt like a mess. The enemy AI is atrocious, and the sheer execution is just boring at times. Despite its brevity, I found myself wanting it to end long before it actually did.

If you’re a fan of iOS games that you can play in short bursts without much investment, Zombies and Trains is a solid option for only .99 cents. Don’t go into it expecting the kind of addictive experience that you’ll play for hours on end, though.

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

Heroes and Castles is a phenomenal addition to any gamer’s iOS library. For the $1.99 asking price, you get a ton of content and a really unique experience.

Crysis 3 is not a bad game by any means, and it is very ambitious in many aspects, but as far as game play and story go, it is not going to impress anyone.

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

The story is told well, and with a few small annoyances here and there with both the story and game play, players can still have a enjoyable time playing. For only $19.99, Sony portable players should not miss this strategy game.

I loved my time with Serious Sam Double D XXL, but it certainly isn’t going to set the world on fire. From someone who has serious fatigue for the series, XXL was a fresh twist on a familiar idea. Anyone who enjoys the series should check it out. Just don’t go into it expecting revolution and you will be fine. Serious Sam has a specific audience and XXL caters to that. Now just get rid of Huff and bring on the sequel.

If you like a good puzzle or just want to try something new, Antichamber will stretch your mind and twist your perception, and it’s definitely worth checking out.