For the people out there who like puzzle-solving and a charming story and art style, you owe it to yourself to pick this game up.

Battlefield 1943 is a prime example of why online gaming is so addictive. The concept is simple, the content is limited, but the fun is nearly endless.

Thumper is one of my favorite games this year, simple yet challenging, visually stimulating, and excellent sound use. Easy to play, hard to master is the familiar phrase that comes to mind.

The racing feels so spot on, and the dynamic weather effects and track conditions really give it that authentic feel.

Axiom Verge is fantastic addition to any fan of the genre.

The Association mode is making a case for the best franchise mode in the entire genre, and the on court gameplay is mostly very solid. With some tweaks to the post play, and an overhauled menu system, next years' version has the potential to be a truly outstanding title.

All in all, if you're a fan of Streets of Rage, there's no denying that this collection is a must buy. The price of ten dollars is a good deal for three beat 'em up games with online play. Not to mention three really fun beat 'em up games. If you've never played the games in this series, you should still give this collection a shot not only to have some violent fun, but to see what it was like during the heyday of Sega.

For those who purchased Burial at Sea Episode 1 and felt burned by the lack of content, Episode 2 is a fuller package, and worth picking up to finish the story.

Death of the Outsider is a fun, bite sized Dishonored game that opened my eyes to the series once again. I enjoyed the open-endedness of the entire experience, and while I didn’t get a lot of details of the story, it was still enjoyable and fun to see. Dishonored fans will love this one as well, and people that may have been turned off from the first game may find this one much more enjoyable. There’s still some issues with stealth and difficulty, but in the end, it’s a fun experience overall with some great options.

While there are hundreds of Warhammer games out there, few of them really stand out among the pack. Boltgun is one of those games and even non-fans of the universe owe it to themselves to check it out. It is visceral, addictive, and paced extremely well. The array of difficulty options offer up something for everyone and it has some of the best weapon feel of any of these types of games out there. I cannot recommend this game enough for anyone looking for a good time blowing up pixelated baddies.

An incredible package that should appeal to any fighting game fan or anyone who grew up with the series. Ed Boon and his team at NetherRealm have created a love letter to fans that will stand the test of time.

I think DotEmu and Lizardcube knocked it out of the park yet again. Clearly there was importance on being truthful to the series while adding in new elements to make the game feel fresh and exciting.

As a package The Bioshock collection delivers, but once again (as has been with the other two 2K collections on Switch) the issue of value raises its head. Yes, fifty bucks for three fully fleshed out games and all their DLC seems like good value. But only if the only console you own is a Switch. This collection released 4 years ago on PC, Xbox One and Playstation4 and as such can be picked up for a fraction of that price nowadays. The games also play much better on these platforms, with the PS4 Pro and Xbox One X recently getting a 4K 60fps update. I guess it comes down to whether you think having versions of these great games on the go is worth the cost. But for me, no matter how good these games are, I would recommend waiting for a price drop.

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.

Need for Speed: Most Wanted is a spiritual successor to Burnout Paradise with the license behind it. This is not a bad thing; in fact it does more good for the game than anything. Criterion knows how to make fun and accessible racers, and MW is no exception. If you enjoy these types of games I cannot recommend the game enough.

Uncharted: Lost Legacy is another Uncharted game, for better or worse. I loved its length and characters. I would love to see more spin-offs now that Nathan Drake’s journey has come to an end. I feel like we don’t get enough of these action adventure style titles and am always up for another one. I might say we don’t need another Uncharted game once again, but if the series returns, you know I will be first in line to eat my words.

The game prides itself on simplistic controls and a focus on skating rather than performing inane tasks and worrying too much about a tacked-on narrative. Skate 2 continues to up the ante for genre forcing Activision to really step up for the next chapter of Tony Hawk.

These are some really well made pinball tables wrapped around one of the best horror/sci-fi franchises ever created.

If you enjoy the genre at all, Black Rock has certainly crafted one of the finest action/racing games ever created and they continue to prove their expertise in the genre.

When it’s all said and done, Tales of Arise features a likeable cast of characters, compelling story and one of my new favorite combat engines, not just in the Tales series but in all the JRPGs I’ve played so far and if not for the pacing issues and the PC port’s technical issues, it could have set the bar for JRPGs to follow.

I really enjoyed my time with Tails of Iron, it had a very mature story to tell wrapped up in a charming yet dark world. The clever use of communication between the creatures while using ‘Geralt’ for narration duties is definitely one of my highlights from this game. While I am not a fan of the ridiculously named ‘Souls-Borne’ genre, there was so much to love about Tails of Iron that it was easy to overlook. Sure, the combat was very difficult but who doesn’t like a challenge; I just hope we get to see more from Redgi and his brothers in the future.

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.

If you can’t tell, I loved Cat Quest 3; as I said I was already a fan of the series and this entry is its best. The Gentlebros is a small team of 8 developers but playing Cat Quest 3 you wouldn’t know it, there is even a local co-op option available to players. (I wasn’t able to test this but I have played the past games in co-op with my kids and it was a great time). The greatest thing about Cat Quest 3 is its simplicity, any level of gamer is able to pick this game up and jump in as its combat systems and exploration are easy to grasp and once you get sailing it’s extremely hard to put this one back in drydock.

DJ Hero is almost a breath of fresh air in an already overcrowded genre. The rhythm game is becoming too much of a business and this really feels like it was designed with a lot of passion for the music.

Bulletstorm manages to make itself relevant by spending the right amount of time on character development while balancing the adult nature of the content with gameplay and presentation that are likely to have staying power.

With the addition of true online play, content download, and some creative touch screen use this is certainly one of the better games available right now for Nintendo’s handheld wonder.

There is a lot of fun to be had. I just want to convey all that I had experienced with the game. It's left up to you to decide if you want to drop the money on it.

The Vessel of Hatred expansion is a must-have for Diablo 4 fans. It offers a wealth of new content, a compelling story that is going places that I didn’t see coming, a beautiful new region and a powerful new class, Vessel of Hatred is a more than worthy addition to the Diablo series, and I cannot wait to see where the team goes from here.

Xenoblade Chronicles X has a lot going for it. The incredible world, in-depth combat engine and an amazing soundtrack sets up the foundation for something that could’ve been an absolute classic. However, due to the missteps in quest design and overall progression, it’s a game that can only truly be enjoyed despite itself.

Fans of the first title will be thrilled that there’s more Guacamelee in the world, and there’s new mechanics and challenges to play with. New players should go back and experience the first Guacamelee and enjoy that, but there’s definitely enough backstory and tutorial in Guacamelee 2 to make any player comfortable with playing. With the only downside being that this may be one of the harder platforming experiences in recent years and therefore not for everyone, Guacamelee 2 stands out as one of the finest, and funniest titles of 2018. Don’t let this one skip by.

One of the best sci-fi stories I’ve ever experienced in a videogame and one that can get under your skin.

Ghost Rider is, by far, my favorite table in the pack.

The balance between arcade and simulation is nearly flawless, not to mention the graphics are jaw-dropping.

An incredibly fun experience that fans of the series will have a blast with. The new diversions and ridiculousness like Professor Genki's stuff just appeals to the crowd. Never once will you take this game seriously, and you shouldn't, but when it grabs you it never lets go until you are simply done having fun. I was never frustrated at the game. If I failed a mission I simply went back in and did something more bizarre, which is the beauty of Saints Row. As long as you know that going in, you will have a blast. I can't recommend this game enough, though. It simply defines what it means to have fun playing games.

The game prides itself on simplistic controls and a focus on skating rather than performing inane tasks and worrying too much about a tacked-on narrative. Skate 2 continues to up the ante for genre forcing Activision to really step up for the next chapter of Tony Hawk.

While I was able to complete some matches, I was disconnected in the lobby more times than I can count, and the awful wait time doesn’t help things. The latter being more an issue of sales than technical prowess, but it is notable if you want to play multiplayer but just don’t have friends who are interested. Bravery and Greed is a good time and for the price tag of $19.99 its low cost of entry is welcoming in this new age of the commonplace $79.99 games.

Ravenswatch is a lot of fun to play, I unlocked all of the playable characters and played with each and had a good time with all of them. The randomly generated nature of each level is nice but the truth of the matter is this game is very short. And while I recommend that players play multiplayer, the game does offer the option to play single-player but it’s hard as balls. I am sure some of you who love these brutal difficulty games will enjoy, but for those of us who have yet to ascend that difficulty mountain, dis tew much. All that being said though, I like Ravenswatch quite a bit. While my time with it is short, it was still a pretty enjoyable experience.

The game sounds great as well. All of the characters are well voiced, and the background music, whether light ballad or mournful cello works very well. The clashing of weapons and the sound of scythe meeting bone really add to the combat, making it that much more fun to take down your enemies.

This game has single-handedly stolen my soul since it arrived at my doorstep and I find myself needing to level up once a night, much like my wife and her World of Warcraft addiction.

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.

It’s a really unique game that I think plays best in this release, particularly because of how good it looks. If puzzle games with good stories and colorful art styles sound interesting, then this is probably a game you should pick up.

Madden NFL 11 is a must own for all football fans, and now it is even more accessible to the masses.

At the end of the day the most important aspect of any game is fun. Assault Android Cactus (awesome name by the way) is the epitome of that. Every level is a blast, the mechanics are solid, and playing with friends is pure frenetic fun. Even with the slew of awesome games in 2017, players who have yet to take the plunge need to check out this title. It is more than worth the price of admission, and I am glad to see it hitting more and more platforms for more players to experience the pure joy it has to offer.

It's a little sad not to see something overarching to work towards, like achievements or RPG elements, but the joy of simply exploring SpellTower's depth goes a long way toward easing that concern.

Exactly what fans of the genre want. A solid SRPG that takes everything the original did right, tweak it, and throw in enough subtle nuances to make it feel fresh.

Anyone who enjoys puzzle games owes it to themselves to check out this series.

Once again Madden comes highly recommended for fans of the pigskin, and as always, kicks off the best time of year to be a gamer.

A fantastic game for both the hardcore UFC fan, and the casual fan alike. With its deep gameplay structure and great selection of game modes, Yuke's has laid down the foundation for a really solid series here.

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

I paid over $100 Canadian for this game, and it was worth every penny. I wasn’t sure what to expect with Sonic Team taking over but I’m extremely impressed. I wish there were more courses (especially ones based on other SEGA properties) but there’s still 5 more DLC courses to be released and I’ll be there every time one launches to take part in the accompanying event. My hope is that once this season pass is done, they won’t simply drop the game because their only real competition is still Mario Kart 8 and with the effort this could definitely surpass it as the best kart racer. A lot of love and detail went into every inch of this game, and it shows… It’s just really blurry because I’m moving so fast.

For fans of the Might & Magic series, puzzle lovers, and those enamored of Puzzle Quest (in concept, gameplay, or both), I strongly recommend picking this up. Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes won't disappoint.

Overall, I found the journey into Fabletown a delight; filled with memorable characters built on a solid mechanical foundation, and while I believe there more to be done with the formula, it’s the finest Telltale has made so far and well worth experiencing.

There are some that simply won't get it, and that is fine, but for those that take to it, your experience will be unparalleled.

Even after six years, this is still one of the best games out there, and it has aged ridiculously well.

I won’t say that GRIS is bad. It is not even remotely bad. What GRIS is is disappointing. It can’t decide whether or not it wants to be a fun platformer or art piece, and the reality is that it could have been both. There’s a lot of hyperbole out there right now about this being a must play and I have a feeling a lot of people that do will be disappointed by this title. If GRIS goes on sale I would say pick it up if the art style seems appealing, but otherwise don’t look to GRIS to be the new LIMBO or INSIDE because the puzzles aren’t as deep and the gameplay isn’t as prevalent.

This is action at its most raw and fans of the golden days of arcade games will definitely be in for a treat.

In the literal sea of fantastic games that have come out in 2025, Marvel Cosmic Invasion shouldn’t be missed. Now, truthfully speaking mileage may vary on how much fun you have depending on how you feel about the brand. As a huge comic fan, I loved this game and can’t wait to play with friends when the online multiplayer goes live. But some folks may be turned off by the lack of enemy variety and the shorter length of the campaign which can be finished in about 3-5 hours; completionist will get about 20 hours to see everything. With its inclusion in Game Pass Ultimate (a shame we have to differentiate) it’s definitely worth checking out.

This is action at its most raw and fans of the golden days of arcade games will definitely be in for a treat.

I may seem a little overzealous when I say this, but We Love Katamari is one of the best games ever made. Sure, the concept isn’t for everyone, but it does everything this concept has going for it perfectly. I think the series lost focus after this title which isn’t a surprise because this is the last Katamari game that the creator Keita Takahashi worked on. The other Katamari games are great do not get me wrong and I hope those get remastered too, but future games lacked the same innovation We Love Katamari had for the concept of rolling up junk. This is the top of the clump spirit folks, and I would suggest not missing it.

It is easily the most complete, innovative, and accessible wrestling game since Aki’s incredible "No Mercy."

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.

Amongst all the controversy on the possible oversaturation of HD remasters in the gaming industry, I feel this is one that deserved the treatment and more importantly, was executed competently.

The MK Legacy Kollection is a dream come true for me. Growing up with MK from the beginning this hit all the right nostalgia notes. MK is easily one of my favorite gaming franchises and have been a fan for over 30 years and will likely be playing it until my hands no longer work. Digital Eclipse understood the assignment and aced it. I cannot wait to see what they add to this over time, and now I can finally play my beloved MK2 in various forms in one place. If you have ever had any interest in the series this is a must-have.

Bulletstorm manages to make itself relevant by spending the right amount of time on character development while balancing the adult nature of the content with gameplay and presentation that are likely to have staying power.

It's a little disappointing that, like the last DLC, this one doesn't raise the level cap for players, but if you enjoyed Borderlands 2 and you're looking for more of it, it's a great pickup.

Subnautica: Below Zero is a great follow-up to one of the best in the genre. It dishes out the survival aspects in more digestible chunks than some of the more extreme cases. This makes it much more approachable for players like me who are intimidated by the restrictions of the genre. Do not let the nature of the game scare you away. This is a beautiful experience that I recommend if for nothing else, but to experience the ridiculously beautiful world Unknown Worlds has created.

I sunk way too much time into it when I had other games to review. It’s addictive and likely making my top 10 this year. I hope it does well enough that this isn’t the last we see of Bloodstained.

Battlefield 1943 is a prime example of why online gaming is so addictive. The concept is simple, the content is limited, but the fun is nearly endless.

While I may have a few grievances as to how Arcsys is handling the balancing of the characters, it’s apparent that this is the best entry in the series yet, and it remains my personal go-to choice for a 2D fighting gaming.

While many of the elements here made their debuts in other games in the genre, Sucker Punch does an amazing job of weaving them together in a way that not only creates a satisfying gameplay experience but also enhances an already stellar narrative. I cannot think of a better way for Sony to send-off the generation.

As someone who only came to the Yakuza games when Zero was released, getting the chance to play the whole series now is something that really appeals. The narrative in these games may not differ too much from one another, but it is more than made up with the varied and entertaining cast. Kiryu’s Yakuza with a heart personality really stands out and only made me love him even more, especially when he was being an unstoppable fighting machine.

Sparking! Zero is a visually stunning and action-packed game that captures the spirit of the Dragon Ball series. While its episode mode may not be its strongest feature, the game’s dedication to fan service and its impressive roster makes it a must-play for any Dragon Ball fan. The combination of breathtaking visuals, engaging gameplay, and nostalgic elements ensures that Sparking! Zero will be a favorite among fans for years to come.

Still Wakes the Deep is a fun romp for its short playthrough. The lack of environmental storytelling and exploration is really where it falls apart. Still, this being on Game Pass makes it worth checking out for sure. I enjoyed my time with it, but I don’t think it will stick with me like titles such as Soma and Amnesia have.

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

Regardless of the issues I had, Persona 5 Strikers is still a fantastic sequel, Persona game, and Musou game. It really is impressive the amount of content they jammed into this game, and the fact that they added way more to the mechanics than I thought they would was a great breath of fresh air. Musou fans will get a ton of enjoyment out of this title and fans of Persona 5 have their sequel that is most certainly worthy of the title.

For the regular fighting game players, this is a no brainer. People that once were into Street Fighter IV will find enough here to bring them right back into the fray.

I cannot recommend this game enough. I loved Kaze and the Wild Masks, and hope it finds the audience it deserves so we might get more games from this team. It really ticked all the boxes I would expect from a game inspired by the mascot platformers I grew up with. It also helps that the game is coming to every platform imaginable. Do not hesitate if you love titles like Donkey Kong Country or even have the most minute nostalgia for that plethora of mascot platformers from the mid -to-late 90s. This game hits all those notes while injecting its own flavor to the cause.

The presentation remains the same from previous Gold Master games, but it works. There is a gamification of working through the entire timeline and hearing that chime when one is completed. The game museum is a little wonkier than this one, but I got used to it. Controlling the games is simple and digging through the entire collection is a breeze. It does suck that the audio is still out of sync on Xbox as game mode will cause that, but it isn’t awful. The Gold Master Series remains the gold standard for telling these stories. Living in the era when almost any game can be playable on modern consoles is truly great. I always get excited when Digital Eclipse announces a new one of these. I cannot wait to see what they cover next and hopefully this series never ends. Big game publishers would be wise to get in on this trend, no one does it better than Digital Eclipse.

If you appreciate the art of focus, gravity, and near-death evasions then this title is a must buy. To round out this package; N+ also includes time-based leaderboards, level editor, co-op and competitive multi-player, and (everybody’s favorite) achievements; combine all of these elements and you have one of the best reasons to spend 800 Microsoft points.

Triangle Strategy wasn’t the game I thought it was when I accepted the review assignment, but I am glad I did because after I really got into the game I enjoyed the story, and the extremely tough decisions it asks the player to make. Triangle Strategy isn’t a perfect game but it is a really good time.

It’s not the best game on the system – but it’s the most original.

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.

Sonic Mania is the Sonic game fans have been wanting. It hits all the notes (and problems) the originals had. But it is also why the series has remained relevant for so long. It delivers speed, fun, and chaos (no pun intended) all in one package. It also finally removes the stigma that all Sonic games are terrible. Let’s hope Forces is as well polished and enjoyable as Mania is.

Clocking in at around 6 hours, there isn’t any real replay value unless you’re someone like me who likes to go back to see how the experience changes after I’ve been enlightened with the full picture. While some may claim that it is far too short of a game, I would argue that it is the perfect length for this particular title, and as it retails at half the cost of a typical triple A game at $29.99, it more than justifies its asking price. After all, I certainly don’t think this would have been a better game if it was double the length at twice the cost.

Funny enough Vanquish seems to be a better game after all these years. The cover-based combat just feels so much better now than I remember it. Not sure if that has to do with the rock-solid frame rate or just the passing time, but this game is sublime. Pulling off stylish actions feels natural. The sliding mechanic just works, and makes combat more fun than most cover shooters. This is a game that has stood the test of time and somehow works better today than it did ten years ago.

For those of you who own all the Halo 3 content, your still getting a full single player experience, and a great co-op multiplayer add-on. For the rest of us the value is only bigger, for me I got dozens of new maps, Firefight, and the story all of which have so far been a blast to play.

Pure doesn’t set any standards in the department of innovation, but it does take everything fun about the genre and cram it into a tight package.

Resident Evil Village is another outstanding entry in one of the best franchises in gaming. Capcom has done a wonderful job of keeping the series fresh and interesting since its inception back in 1996. I still get excited when a new game in the series drops. It is an event that few other franchises can carry for this long. This game is one of the easiest to recommend and it is on a short list of my favorite game experiences of the year. I expect to be discussing it when the end of 2021 rolls around.

3DS owners looking for a new RPG to dig into will find a fantastic one here.

There is more than enough to see and do and I guarantee once you nail down the vehicle handling you will find a rich and vigorous experience that will entertain you for hours on end.

It's true that there are better tower defense games to play, and there are better twin stick shooters to play, but there aren't any that got thrown in a downloadable blender quite like Comet Crash.

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.

While there are still some improvements to be made in terms of difficulty balancing and dungeon designs, Octopath Traveler 2 makes meaningful improvements over the original and manages to realize most of its lofty ambitions, culminating into an experience not to be missed by any JRPG fan.

It is a very competent RPG with tons of upgrades and stat tracking. It really is a hardcore RPG fan’s dream.

Expanding the amount of content available (including the incredibly smart decision to open the horde-mode like Salmon Run game mode up at all times) makes this game the best one yet and one of the most enjoyable multi-player shooters on the market. If you have been a fan of the series in the past, Splatoon 3 is a must purchase.

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided has a firm grasp on what made the original title so iconic- providing some of the best variety in how a player could approach every objective and making each of them feel just as fun and satisfying as the other. If not for the rather lackluster cast of characters and a story that ends abruptly, it could have been a new classic.

Madden NFL 11 is a must own for all football fans, and now it is even more accessible to the masses.

There are enough new and fresh ideas here to make it stand out, and there is certainly plenty of content to keep you playing. Black Ops 2 will easily be the best-selling game this year, but it will also be remembered for changing the way we look at the CoD series.