Rainbow Billy took me by surprise. The art style was cutesy, the combat was simple, the puzzles never overly challenging, and the story content was very warm and fuzzy and they were perfect for me. It was a breath of fresh air I didn’t know I needed, and this is easily one of those perfect games that a parent and child can sit down together and have a great time while learning some of the great golden rules of friendship and acceptance. It’s crazy to think this game hooked me the way it did, but I really can’t suggest it enough. Even if you’re like me, a 35-year-old childless husband, you may very well find yourself have a good time with it.

Yes, there were great additions to this year, but the horrible AI, and multiplayer just really mess up the experience for me.

While not for everyone, PES 2016 is actually a very well done game. I learned a good amount, but am by no means an expert. I was able to get a good feel for the game and was able handle some matches on the easier difficulty. This is still very much a soccer fan’s game, and while it has the tutorials, the game is not very beginner-friendly. At the same time, what it does, it does very well and looks great while doing it. Any fan of the sport should definitely check it out.

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”.

When it's all said and done, Castlevania is one that will go down as one of the better Castlevania games.

The lack of any online component is a heartbreaker, but one that can be overlooked if you truly enjoy the deep combat to be found within. The Quest Mode will keep you enthralled for hours on end, but not being able to put your custom fighter up against your buddies via memory card will hurt this game’s longevity.

It’s an odd feeling to be back in Kamurocho after wishing a bittersweet farewell to the Dragon of Dojima. Even though Kiwami 2 doesn’t quite achieve the emotional highs of the Song of Life, the polished gameplay as well as one of the finest antagonists the series has to offer makes it a must play for Yakuza fans, whether they played the original on the PS2 or not.

The new content makes the game feel fresh once again, and the size and scope are absolutely amazing when you consider this is a download-only expansion. It is sad that this may in fact be the final DLC for the game, but if it is, what an incredible way to go out.

Overall, the second episode of the saga of Sam and Max improves on the first in many ways. It's funnier, more clever and a better paced episode than the first and Telltale is seemingly ramping it up as they go along.

An example of what every sports simulation game should be. By choosing not to be bound by how people think of the sport, Yukes managed to deliver a product that is both more realistic and enjoyable than both of the previous UFC titles. Any game that can make me a fan of its subject matter overnight is a winner in my book.

Outside of that, I consider Rogue Legacy to be the most accessible and addictive roguelike I’ve played thus far and with the implementation of the cross-buy/save, it’s the perfect time to pick up the sword and succeed where your ancestors have failed.

Despite the permanence of typical Atelier quirks, Atelier Ryza 3 is a wonderful conclusion to the trilogy featuring some of the best the series has to offer. While this marks the end of Ryza’s journey as the heroine, her influence to this unique and charming franchise will be felt long after the credits have rolled.

An in your face, balls to the wall, destroy everything in your path treat. With a ton of missions to complete, an entire planet to destroy, and online modes that will have you sitting in front of your television for hours upon hours, this game has it all. I know this has been said a ton of times before, but it holds true for this game; if Red Faction: Guerrilla doesn't get your blood pumping, check your pulse.

Ratchet and Clank is a prime example of a genre of game we don’t get too often anymore. Top that off with the fact that it is immaculately constructed and this game is a must own for every PlayStation 4 owner. Insomniac Games continues to prove why their games are always highly anticipated, and I cannot wait to see what they do next.

MLB: The Show 16 is one of the best baseball games I have ever played. Granted, I haven’t played many in my life, but this one really does have some great things going for it.

Valkyria Chronicles 4 weaves an emotionally charged tale about how war changes everything it touches and even through moments where winning felt just as bad as losing, I felt compelled to push forward to the end. As a title that carries the heavy burden of expectations following the original’s pedigree of excellence as well as having to make up for a string of lackluster sequels that followed, Squad E carries on with its head held high, exceeding lofty expectations as it improves on nearly every aspect of the original, proving with utmost certainty that this is one of the finest series the genre has to offer.

Overall, Forgotten Land is just a great time with a mix of genuine challenge and simple fun. Like most Kirby games, I don’t think Forgotten Land is going to set the world on fire but it’s really good. Like a favorite blanket, Kirby is always a joy to come back to and I’m really glad I played Forgotten Land.

If you enjoy the Street Fighter series, or the Marvel fighting games that Capcom made back in the day then this is one you shouldn't miss.

Sequels are hard. Team Asobo has managed to make a more compelling world with even more compelling characters and wrapped it in a gorgeous bow. There are issues for sure. The game doesn’t innovate nearly enough and performance on next-gen consoles is disappointing, but this game continues to prove that this team of developers is extremely talented. I hope we continue to see them flourish and create new experiences. A Plague Tale: Requiem is a truly exceptional experience that everyone should check out. It is on Game Pass so the barrier to entry is lighter. Definitely give it a shot.

Mortal Kombat for the PS Vita is truly a wonderful package that outweighs its price tag. There is so much content here it is impossible not to recommend. If you are not a fan of the series or its reboot, this is certainly not going to change your mind, but even if you dropped double-digit hours on the original, the Vita version is worth a go. This will literally be locked in my system for months to come, and I look forward to unlocking everything all over again.

It has everything a shooter fan could want as well as a genuinely creepy single-player that simply must be experienced. If you are in the market for a great shooter or just an overall fun experience you can't go wrong with F.E.A.R.

Trine 2 is exactly what Frozenbyte intended it to be: a follow-up to a unique puzzle-platformer that beefs up the visuals and puzzle design. If you enjoyed the original, or enjoy the puzzle genre at all, this is a must get. The co-op is a blast, the puzzles will have you scratching your head for hours and the visuals are absolutely jaw-dropping.

The new content makes the game feel fresh once again, and the size and scope are absolutely amazing when you consider this is a download-only expansion. It is sad that this may in fact be the final DLC for the game, but if it is, what an incredible way to go out.

It isn't full of guns, aliens or even tons of gore and it certainly doesn't have the marketing muscle of some of the other games currently occupying store shelves, but it does have one thing most of them lack: character. The relationship between Elika and the Prince is easily the best duo found in a game yet and the developers have done an outstanding job of forcing you to care for Elika more than even yourself.

Much of the changes in Civ Rev are of the give and take variety ultimately streamlining gameplay with little sacrifice.

The epitome of how to remake a game for the next generation. If you were a fan of the original you will love the attention to detail and classically epic soundtrack. If you are new to the series you will grow to love the swinging mechanic, once you get the hang of it.

Death Stranding: Director’s Cut is easily the best version of Kojima’s latest game. The new features and additions are more than worth the $10 upgrade for existing owners. Visually the game always looked amazing, but the new higher resolution just showcases the details even better. For anyone who enjoyed the original this upgrade is easy to recommend. For those that never played it, this is the version to get. I continue to think about this game on a weekly basis and enjoyed revisiting it with the new content.

Playing The Cursed Kingdom really makes me want to check out the previous games in the series. It was so refreshing to see a game like this, especially one that plays and looks as great as it does. Any fan of 2D action games should pick this game up without question, and don’t worry if you’ve never played this series before, I was able to enjoy it fully with absolutely no knowledge of it. This is one newer game that harkens back to the old days that does it well and will be remembered for a nice long while.

Trials Rising is a great package for a small price. I really wish the late game wasn’t so grindy, but once I unlocked it all, I felt satisfied. The loot boxes are a waste of time and the customization did little to excite me. I just want Trials like I fell in love with. I come for the tracks and the challenge. Give me that and I need little else. Everything surrounding those things just gets in the way.

This is still one of the best games of last year, and the enhancements make it one of the best looking games to come out in a while.

We’re currently at a time where remasters of classic games are becoming rather commonplace. Contrary to the practices of developers that make adjustments to the original experience to make it more palatable for the current generation, Blizzard played the role of an art restorer, being careful with their strokes to preserve the original and touching up the masterpiece known as Starcraft: Brood War in a way that is sure to garner the attention and appreciation of new fans all across the world.

Sucker Punch achieves what should be every developer's objective: creating an engrossing game experience that is focused on, above all, fun. inFAMOUS delivers explosive action within an extensive sandbox, a veritable playground of electrified mayhem.

There is a lot to love about Desperados III, but it is worth noting that the game is not forgiving. It will take time and patience to push through its massive campaign. The game definitely encourages experimentation on several levels and those easily frustrated by repeating parts of games will find the difficulty overbearing at times. As someone who has issues with games like that though, I found myself drawn to this one more so than others. The quicksave led me to take more chances and the variety of characters and abilities kept it interesting.

To those unfamiliar with this hidden gem, Perfect Chronology represents a new chapter in your very own White Chronicle where you can return to the past with all your new experiences and finally learn that Radiant Historia is one the best JRPGs you’ve never played.

When Mario + Rabbids was announced, I was excited, if a little nervous. Nintendo farming out Mario to Ubisoft, a developer that hasn’t always hit the mark, was slightly concerning. But after playing this game I can honestly say that aside from the odd camera bug or two, I would have never of guessed that this game was not made by Nintendo themselves. It looks, sounds and feels like a Mario game. Clearly the developers have a great love of Mario and an even greater understanding as to what makes a Mario game special. All of the nods to the Mario universe, how many staples of said universe feature in how the gameplay works with this unique title and the attention to every little detail makes this not only a fresh take on a classic character, but possibly my favorite Mario game ever.

Mighty Switch Force is a really fun game. While most players will not have the time or the patience to actually par every level, there is a lot of fun to be had in this little game.

Enter the Gungeon is a roguelike game that works for players who usually find the genre frustrating. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would, and while it might be long after the PC/PS4 release, Xbox One owners finally have a chance to see what the fuss is about. Don’t sleep on this game, it mixes the old with the new for a quality package worth shelling out the bullets for.

The new monsters were the highlight of my experience in Sunbreak, the new crab monsters were by far my favorite. Due to them scuttling about it made their movements unpredictable and made for a much more dynamic and thrilling fight that forced me to get better at utilizing my movement skills. The only real issue with the expansion is that it takes so long to get to the new monsters. Having to complete the main game and then slog through the same monsters just juiced to Master rank makes for a bit of a slog but once you clear it the fun of discovering new monsters and techniques makes up for it. Sunbreak isn’t going to create new fans but it will give longtime ones a lot more of what they love.

I cannot emphasize enough how great this game truly is and how much respect I have for the team to make a game that not only impresses on a technical level, but somehow manages to make playing in this overdone war fun again.

The episode will last you around two hours, and even with the problems I had, the story, voice acting and overall tone of the game hold true throughout. Players of the first episode should not miss this one, and players that have yet to pick up the series should play this game (in order, of course). If you're looking for a great continuation of the first episode, you just found it

Saints Row The Third surprised the heck out of me. The GTA comparisons are inevitable, but they are vastly different games. While both hold a mirror up to reality, the reflections are vastly different. As absurd as GTA gets, it still keeps one foot firmly planted in reality. Saints Row has taken a flying leap off the roof of reality, howling the F-bomb while chugging a licensed energy drink all the way down… and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Building on the strength of the original, it presents a meticulously crafted world, brought to life by a team of visionaries who deserve every praise they’ve received over their long, illustrious careers. With a much improved combat engine and a myriad of entertaining new gameplay elements, it comes two steps closer to achieving the true potential of a title that can rightfully be recognized as the result of a dream collaboration.

Project Cars 2 is the definition of what a sequel should be, taking everything great from the original game, bringing it back, and introducing new and interesting features. Everything feels finely tuned and the options are unparalleled. This is a dream for racing fans and a treat for anyone who even slightly enjoys the genre. Don’t sleep on this one, there are few racing games that offer this much in one package.

Valyria Chronicles remaster is an excellent addition to the PS4 library.

Crash Team Racing Nitro Fueled is a beautiful trip back in time. It is also great that PS4 and XB1 owners finally have a truly great kart racer available on their machines. This game is a must-own for anyone that loves these types of games, and for the price it is impossible not to recommend. Just be prepared for the difficulty and remember playing on easy is perfectly fine, and much more enjoyable for that casual romp.

While it took me a while to get into it, I enjoyed my time with Kentucky Route Zero. It has style, it has charm, and more importantly, it has the interesting concept of allowing the player to shape the foundation of the game along with the characters and their motivations. It’s something I don’t think I have ever seen done before, at least, not in this sort of scale. Fans of story driven games such as this will have a great time with it. Don’t expect a lot of action or hard puzzles. This is like cracking open a choose-your-own-adventure book and shaping the words on the page. If that is your thing, you’ll love this.

Velocity 2X is a fast-paced game that trips over its own complex mechanics at times; especially when trying to achieve higher scores. Still players can still enjoy the entire game without fear of having to perfect each level.

While these upgrades are certainly worth picking up the game for those that never played it, some players won’t find enough here to justify another full purchase. Still, even with those caveats Devil May Cry V Special Edition is a rocking pack that really showcases the new hardware, while still remaining one of the best action games ever created.

Whether this is their way of trying to make the avid fans of the series who imported the JPN version of the game double dip in order to play with their friends or just a minor bug is unclear, but it’s a shame nonetheless. Still, even with the issue of compatibility of different region copies of the game, P4U2 sets a high standard for how to do a sequel to a fighting game right.

This collection really is a no-brainer, especially for fans of Rare’s classic works. There are 30 games here, and all of them are amazingly well-designed.

With improved presentation and various quality of life changes, Tactics Ogre Reborn is a worthy remaster in all areas except for one. However, that one ends up being one of the most important as with poor balancing of difficulty with union levels and an overly inflated HP pool, it became an absolute chore to play early on in the experience and never quite recovered.

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor is the first game on these new consoles that screams next generation game play.

Even though it might look like it's for kids, trust me it is for adults, too. Guys or Gals, everyone who is a gamer and enjoys games like Sims, and Harvest Moon should pick this one up. You won’t regret it.

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.

It’s really quite a shame because at its core, Uni 2 is a wonderful fighter with incredible depth and plenty of style to spare. The sheer amount of freedom in how I can control my character is second to none in all the fighters I’ve played but the awful PC port and the numerous game breaking issues on launch that have resulted in a dwindling player base makes it harder to recommend than it should be.

It’s still a fun Pokémon game, and the Pokémon formula has been tried and true for years as a very competent RPG. Players that have exhausted the first versions of this game can still find some new things to see and do even early on in the story, and players that skipped out on the first games can most certainly have a great time catching them all. I would suggest picking it up either way. It’s still a great game and with this version, there enough new to keep things fresh for all the players.

SMT V is a welcome return to home consoles for the series with an intriguing world to explore, filled with challenging encounters that are immensely satisfying to overcome. If not for the technical limitations of the Switch holding it back from being experienced in its best possible form, it could have been a new classic.

It can become quite the addiction.

South Park: The Fractured But Whole is the epitome of a sequel. Almost to its detriment the game delivers more of what we loved about the first one. There is plenty of content, excellent writing, I just wish it took more risks in the game play and pacing department. Otherwise this is yet another stellar game in the already crowded 2017 lineup.

Guitar Hero World Tour manages to do a lot of things very well, but the problem arises when you realize that with so many options it is hard for one of them to stand out. The song list is excellent, but suffers now because of not being backward compatible with previous games. The music studio is an excellent first effort, but hurts from sound quality and complexity.

A complete pleasure to play. It’s evocative of older generations of theme park management sims in all the right ways, whilst having plenty of style and appeal in its own right.

Street Fighter X Tekken is easily the best fighting game I have played since Mortal Kombat landed last year. Sure, the story mode is a little contrived, and the gem system mildly flawed for tournament play, but the sheer amount of everything else completely outweighs it.

Still, even with its faults, GGXrd is an excellent foundation for the inevitable half dozen or so iterations to come. While it may prove to be a divisive title in the hardcore community, it’s an excellent point for newcomers to jump in and learn firsthand why the name “Guilty Gear” commands so much respect in the fighting game community.

'Splosion Man is a great way to kick off the Summer of Arcade program and is a steal at only $10, if you enjoy platforming. If you're not into some serious timing and precision trial-and-error gameplay, then 'Splosion Man might not be for you.

Even if you have played it before, you will be amazed how good it still is. It is a wonderful trip down memory lane. Here is to hoping we get to finally see the sequel we have been waiting for all these years.

For anyone that missed these games, this collection is a no-brainer. For those that left their old consoles behind, this is a great package that delivers these games how you remember them. Outside of a few technical hiccups this collection is up there as one of the best of this generation. All three games are worth playing, and returning to them only solidifies how much I truly want a new BioShock.

Central Fiction adds enough characters, mechanics and fine tunes its already nearly flawless gameplay into something that feels as amazing to play as it looks. It’s currently my favorite fighting game on the market, and I have no doubt that I will be throwing dozens of more hours into it in the months to come.

Coming into this game expecting maybe an above average alien shooter, I was actually really impressed. It has the makings of a BioShock or System Shock while keeping it fresh with new abilities and full exploration to play how I wanted. The horror elements are there and work well, and while the story isn’t the best out there, it is enough to keep people playing. If you’re looking for a new horror game or even a game much like Dishonored where freedom to do what you want is the main crux, Prey is the game for you.

Gears 5 is incredible, a true renaissance for the series. The changes made to campaign are exactly what I wanted the series to be. The multiplayer suite has something for everyone. This is just an incredible package that deserves its praises.

Definitely an improvement over its already incredible lineage. The Champion mode is fantastic, and nearly worth the price of admission on its own. Couple that with the rock-solid gameplay and suite of great online modes, and you have a game that's fit for not only huge boxing fans, but anyone that likes to beat up on their friends a bit.

For League of Legend fans this game is a no brainer, finally you will be able to see and move around the world of Runeterra in a way that isn’t possible in LoL. But for those folks who just love a good story, interesting characters and pretty decent combat Ruined King could be that gateway game that gets into the larger world of League of Legends and its many, many offerings that are coming soon.

What can I say, Battlefield 6 feels like a return to form for one of gaming’s most diverse and explosive first-person shooters. The team delivered a gripping campaign full of political intrigue, great characters and enough “only in Battlefield” moments to last us until the next one.

The co-op implementation is great and the extra unlockable provides more than enough incentive to play the game through multiple times. If the controls don't bother you, anybody can have a great time playing through this adventure.

Even if you have played them already, the experience still feels fresh thanks to all the enhancements.

Salt and Sanctuary is a great game- built on a solid combat engine and a world that begs to be explored. If it weren’t for the numerous bugs and the pedestrian difficulty, it could have been something truly exceptional.

This reboot of Forza Motorsport is impressive visually. This is genuinely the best-looking game I have seen in a while. The rebuilt tracks are great, the racing feels good, the career mode has plenty to see and do, but I can’t help but feel like this isn’t the leap I was expecting.

The glitches are once again at the forefront of my complaints against the game. From disappearing squad mates, to events not triggering; there are parts of this game that feel unfinished.

The sweeping changes to the games career mode, the effort put in to increasing the quality of the presentation, and the incredible in ring action add a lot to an already great experience. With such a great foundation, UFC Undisputed has established itself as the clear frontrunner in the genre.

Mortal Kombat 1 is a great game that feels like a step back in the extras. They are all here but shoved into one mode that I found more cumbersome than enjoyable. The grind to max character levels needs to be tweaked, but with the promise of support for years to come these are things that can be ironed out. The fighting itself is outstanding and the story mode is the best it has ever been. It is easy to recommend this game, it doesn’t quite hit the mark of best MK game of all-time, but it delivers where it counts the most. I look forward to seeing how the game evolves over time. A new MK game is always an event and this entry is no exception.

Outland is a phenomenal game that doesn't so much innovate, as much as it perfects. The polarity aspect is genius and the platforming is top-notch. Adding in co-op only sweetens the deal, making this a must-own title.

It’s a no brainer for anyone who missed this gem of an SRPG when it first released and a worthwhile purchase even to those who have already experienced the original just to play through the new content.

Halo 5: Guardians is a fantastic step for the series. 343 Industries proves it knows the series, and this being the first official game on the Xbox One,

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.

The package is massive and chock full of content. The netcode is pretty good, and the single player offerings are nice as well.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is yet another great entry in the series marred by some side steps and technical issues. I am sure the latter will be ironed out with time. I really have enjoyed all three of the latest games in the series with Odyssey continuing to be my top pick. Valhalla has a truly fantastic story mixed with visceral combat and base management. I hope they iron out the technical issues as 60fps is truly a game-changer for the franchise.

There aren’t many negatives to the entire Skyrim experience on Switch. While it doesn’t offer the recent mod support the other versions got, it still offers tons of content to experience and enjoy. The motion controls are a bit of a mixed bag, but not required at all. The game looks and runs great, and while animations are starting to show their age, there is still plenty of beauty to be found in Skyrim. As a fan of the Elder Scrolls franchise, if someone told me 6 years ago this game would go portable and with no loss to the original vision, I’d have a hard time believing it, yet here we are. If Skyrim has grown stale or doesn’t hold interest to certain players anymore, the Switch version most likely won’t do anything to win players back. Though for newcomers and fans that want to return, Skyrim is here, as a great as remembered, and grand scale adventure now in the palm of your hands.

Take my advice don’t rent this one, just go out and buy it there is enough stuff to see and do after you finish the game to keep you playing for a long time afterwards.

If you’re looking for even more pinball in your life, these are some good ones to add to the collection, just keep in mind, you may want to turn the volume down unless you enjoy being annoyed.

Metallica songs just seem to lend themselves to this type of game. The note charts are a blast and the presentation is top-notch.

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.

F1 2018 may not be the next be landmark game in the series, but Codemasters have continued to develop and improve the franchise, making it more involved for those that care and more fun for those that don’t and it is these changes, and their commitment to making these games as appealing as possible, that continue to cement them as one of the best driving game developers out there.

Much of the changes in Civ Rev are of the give and take variety ultimately streamlining gameplay with little sacrifice.

It's easy to see how Zenonia 2 has been trapped by the success of its predecessor. Much like a Zelda game, it's guaranteed to be the same experience, dated faults and all. Zenonia 2 stays true to that old school philosophy, delivering almost exactly the same game, with a handful of tweaks.

I love this game. Playtonic definitely made something special here. It’s going to be hard to look at other platformers without wondering why they didn’t ape more of the concepts from The Impossible Lair. Not to mention the soundtrack by Grant Kirkhope and David Wise – which is probably one of my favorite soundtracks of the year. While I hope they give the 3D platformer another fair shake, I will be more than happy if Playtonic does more sidescrolling platformers in the future because The Impossible Lair is impossibly good.

Soulcalibur VI is a great way to bring back the franchise. There is a ton of content to be found and outside of a few omissions, the roster is great. Character creation leaves the door open for plenty of interesting designs. The Xbox One version had a few loading hitches and issues, but it never hindered my enjoyment. For anyone who grew up playing the original in dorms with friends, this is the first entry to capture that magic in years. The soul still burns, and it burns hot.

It is next to impossible not to recommend this game to anyone who is a fan of either of these two brands, as you will most assuredly find a fighter that suits your play style. Aside from the lack of spectator mode and redundant characters that made the final roster, I have nothing negative to say about this game.

Guardians of the Galaxy is probably one of the biggest surprises for me this year. After the disappointment that was Avengers my hope for this game was low. Once I got into gear though I could not stop playing this one and I loved every minute of it.

There’s a lot of quality in this release, but it’s a hard one to recommend while the original game is playable on the same console for far less. I’m still not sure why Nintendo would put so much effort into this game at this time in the 3DS’s life, let alone with a title that can already be played on the console. If slightly dated graphics don’t matter, then the original can be had for a fraction of the cost. Otherwise there’s still a lot of content for $40 in the main game alone, and there’s of course the addition of the Bowser Jr.’s Journey. Regardless of the version however, Bowser’s Inside Story is one of the best in the Mario RPG titles and should be played.