The game is very complex yet so accessible. It's hard to explain without going into a two hour detail of it, but I can see how fans of both Persona and fighting games can pick this game up, learn at their own pace, and still have a blast with it in the end.

With over 60 different weapons and time manipulation combinations, a great score and look and some cool new gameplay elements, Sine Mora is a shoot 'em up that cannot be overlooked by any fan of the genre.

Need for Speed: Shift is a large step forward for the genre. The balance between arcade and simulation is nearly flawless, not to mention the graphics are jaw-dropping.

Crash Bandicoot 4 is a game that has been a long-time coming. Toys for Bob have really captured what made the original games special, while also modernizing it and delivering their own stamp on the franchise. Fans of the original finally get the sequel they deserved, and it feels good to live in this renaissance of PSOne-era games making a comeback. I hope Crash continues to live on and we don’t have to wait as long for Crash 5.

In conclusion, Tekken Tag Tournament 2 for the Wii U is a fantastic fighting game, and a must buy for the new Nintendo system. This game has so much to offer, and it adds a hard-core competitive element to Nintendo gamers that have been lacking for a long time.

Despite my complaints, it’s clear that the remake is most definitely the best way to experience what Nier has to offer. The improved visuals, performance and additional content are all much appreciated, and while it’s still a title with notable flaws, it’s infinitely easier to recommend to all who are willing to put in the time and effort to embark on a journey they’ll not soon forget.

One of the best games that I have played so far this year. The team at Square Enix has really taken a leap in the right direction for the JRPG genre. They have made a gorgeous game that is fun to play, yet at times challenging and rewarding.

NCAA Football 10 is no doubt the best college football game I have ever played. This year's outing still doesn't take the series to the next level like some were hoping it would (and it appears that Madden is doing), but it perfects the formula as much as possible.

Zen Studios has done a great job with this table that both pinball and Portal fans can enjoy.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is a stellar addition to the franchise, with its multiplayer and zombies’ modes offering countless hours of entertainment. The game successfully combines smooth gameplay, strategic depth, and immersive storytelling, making it a must-play for fans and newcomers alike. Although the campaign has room for improvement when it comes to character development, it still provides a bombastic and thrilling narrative that complements the other modes. Overall, Black Ops 6 is a testament to the enduring appeal and continual innovation of the Call of Duty series.

The game is just so original and fun to play that you would be hard-pressed to not enjoy it. If you even remotely like games like Final Fight and Streets of Rage, then Guardian Heroes should be in your collection. Don't let this classic slip into obscurity for a second time.

DiRT 5 feels like a game that is built to showcase new hardware. Still, if players stick with the frame rate mode it works just fine on the last generation as well. I cannot wait to dig in once I get my Series X, but even on One X this game is truly a looker. The game play feels fantastic, it just feels like a game that will showcase better on more powerful hardware.

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.

While the gameplay, levels, and locations are something that everyone will experience by the end game, how players build their towns and help the townsfolk is what will give each person their unique experience.

Players looking for a very artistic world with unique narration and an amazing soundtrack, you have just found it. Strategy fans will have a great time taking on the combat, and anyone looking for a great game for $20 should not pass this up. Transistor has the style along with the game play that makes this a must own for many.

There are endless hours of replayability built into this package. With its gorgeous visuals, head bobbing audio tracks, and addictive action, I would recommend Electronic Symphony to anyone even remotely interested in puzzle games.

The single player feels much more fleshed out, and Salmon Run is a blast. There are just two many weird setbacks to how the game works. Rotating only two maps per mode, keeping Salmon Run online locked behind events, and of course the online app. Sure Nintendo has promised lots of updates to Splatoon 2, and I believe them, but right now I feel like there are too many barriers for me to enjoy it to its fullest potential.

While I never played the original, Forgive Me Father 2 is a fantastic game. The game’s ability to blend classic shooter mechanics with Lovecraftian horror creates a unique and memorable experience. Whether you’re a fan of the original or new to the series, Forgive Me Father 2 offers a thrilling journey into madness that is not to be missed.

While the game is just a giant mesh of tons of genres it manages to do them all to near perfection. When a game has you thinking about it constantly and talking about it only makes you want to play it more you know you have something special on your hands.

What Yakuza 6 meant to me as someone who has followed the series from the very beginning is a true culmination of 12 years worth of characters and story. It’s an absolute emotional rollercoaster ride, packaged together with some of the best content the series has offered to date and polished to an absolute shine. “The Song of Life” may very well represent the final chapter in the legendary chronicles of the Dragon of Dojima. However, as is the case with every great legend, his story will live on, having left an indelible mark in gaming history as one of the most memorable and important characters to have ever graced the medium.

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.

Those who liked the past few games and even those looking to play Magic: The Gathering for the very first time should all pick up Duels of the Plainswalkers 2014. I can’t suggest it enough.

WWE 2K24 is, as I mentioned above, the best-playing game in the series. The progress of the bell-to-bell of the series from undesirable to undeniable should make cover boy Cody Rhodes proud. Unfortunately, I had less fun with the game this year than last year, mostly I think because of fatigue with the flaws of the series. They have had years to correct the frustrating and often mind-boggling problems with AI wrestler behavior, clipping and collision detection, and reversal-heavy gameplay, and these issues continue to persist. The Showcase mode, a real highlight in last year’s game, has also taken a huge step back, which is a major disappointment. After taking this many years to finally get things right when it comes to the player-controlled action, it may be strange to hear me say that they need to think about some major overhauls of the franchise’s DNA, but I believe that may be what the series needs to feel fresh again. Just like a wrestling match the biggest sin a wrestling game can commit is to be boring, and for me that’s just what the WWE 2K series has become.

Age of Mythology: Retold is a triumphant revival of a beloved classic. It combines the best elements of the original with modern upgrades and refinements, delivering a fantastic strategic experience that feels both fresh and familiar. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the original or new to the world of mythology, this game offers an epic journey worth embarking on. I think that with this game Age of Mythology finally gets the respect it deserves in the pantheon of great RTS games.

Fans that may have fallen off in recent years will find plenty to come back to with this iteration. There is so much improvement it is impossible to list it all here without sounding like a press release.

The Terminator 2 of videogames. A sequel that contained all that made the original so good, without all the boring and unrefined portions...This is by far the most fun I have ever had with an open-world game.

All in all, it's a robust title with very few flaws and a lot of play time potential. While some titles are the type you play once, complete, and put on the shelf; this is one title DS players would likely come back to time after time.

For fans of the genre and the format, though, this game's the best of the best. The characters are likable, the plot is simple but engaging and often takes some absurd turns that can be quite entertaining.

When it’s all said and done, ibb and obb is a great puzzle game, built from the ground up with Co-Op in mind, and it’s an absolute blast to grab a like-minded buddy to tackle this challenging and highly rewarding game.

Steamworld Dig is a simple game that capitalizes on a simple concept and uses it to its advantage.

With that said, Steins;Gate is an absolute master class in storytelling and world building in a game. It deserves to be experienced by anyone who claims to enjoy a good sci-fi adventure, and those who don’t and take a chance with Steins;Gate might just find that they just haven’t experienced the right one until this very moment.

All in all it’s hard to argue with the value you’re getting in this package. For $50 you get two of the best western RPG’s of all time, along with all of their additional content and the new arena modes. We’re talking hundreds of hours of classic Bioware goodness for just less than the price of a new game off the shelf. I think this package is perfect for gamers who’ve never experienced these games before and want to see what all the fuss is about (and where many RPG staples they see in modern games originated). While I wish the control scheme was more perfectly implemented and that the performance were consistently fantastic, those things don’t overwhelm my opinion that this is a package worth having for any fan of western RPG’s or classic gaming.

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.

With the downfall of Mimimi Games, I feared that the real-time genre was all but lost. It’s still a crying shame that their final game, Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew didn’t get more attention because it had a fantastic story and excellent gameplay. But the developer may be gone but their legacy is strong with Artificer games; Sumerian Six is a triumph in the genre with its immensely replayable levels, forgiving stealth approach and its quirky characters. Made so much better now that I can play it on my Xbox. Artificer has crafted an enjoyable game that blends the occult and science in an interesting story AND lets you knock out some Nazis, what’s not to love here?

The character development, pacing and narrative crafting make Resistance 3 a game that shooter fans, even those that weren't in love with Resistance: Fall of Man and Resistance 2, should check out.

The journey through the Metro is more than worth the price of admission, plus the visuals are great at showcasing the new hardware. I am really looking forward to what 4A Games has in store next.

Just as Bravely Default before it, Octopath Traveler is a reimagining of a classic formula, packaged to feel new and exciting. Even though the issues with its character interactions and lackluster dungeon designs holds it back from true greatness, the likeable cast of characters and a deeply satisfying combat engine makes it one that’s easily recommendable to just about anyone with a Switch.

Housing over 180 cubed filled levels to solve at a bargain price of only $4.99, it’s easy to recommend Bye-Bye Boxboy to anyone who enjoys a good puzzle game.

Triangle Strategy weaves a mature story full of intrigue and places the player in an unenviable position of having to make some very tough choices with meaningful consequences, all the while challenging them to face encounters that will test their strategic mind. In other words, it’s a compelling good time.

The puzzles can be difficult and challenging, and don't mind kicking you when you're down. But if you can get past that, and enjoy trying to find unorthodox ways of solving riddles, then this game will really be one that you can hold near and dear to your heart, and you will want to eat all the pie you can get your grubby little hands on.

Fans of Lego games will sure have a fun time with LEGO Marvel.

Even if you’re not a Metal Gear fan, if you enjoy lots of action and some fast-paced combat, you should really pick up Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance.

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

The few rough edges that crop up as repetitive enemies and a weak link in the teamwork chain do little to detract from the very compelling whole.

One of the biggest highlights is the voice acting. With a slew of games having a great voice-acting cast, Darksiders is up there with the best.

Starfield is a great game, but it is not the second coming of Bethesda. This is exactly what I thought it was going to be and if you love their games, you will love Starfield. There is so much to see and do. So many great characters, excellent writing, and plenty of side quests and choices to make. I hate the cliché “if you’re a fan of the genre” but if a game ever matched that quote, it is this one. This is a Bethesda space opera and one of their best games to date.

In the end, this game passed the only test for me that really matters: it kept me playing, every chance I had, until I was done.

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.

Sports a very imaginative look and feel. The characters are detailed, and the voice work is awesome.

If you enjoy comic books or superhero games you truly need to experience this.

Tekken Tag Tournament 2 is definitely a solid package. The robust cast of fighters, ample amount of stages and sheer plethora of content make it worth the price of admission alone. Factor in the depth of the fighting and promised DLC, and you have a game that could occupy you for a long, long time.

The entire Scorchers section lasts six levels, and took me between two and three hours to complete, but it also only costs five dollars. That is not a bad deal when you consider comparable DLC packs. What it lacks in direction, it makes up for in sheer content.

Despite the minor complaint, Zero Time Dilemma is a triumph in storytelling and world building with some of the most complex and yet satisfying narrative ever to grace a videogame. Whether this is the final entry to the Zero Escape series or not, the developers can rest easy knowing that they’ve managed to craft one of the finest visual novel series of all time.

Some of the games included here have not seen the light of day since they were initially released. These collections really showcase that Capcom used to really produce a ton of great fighting games across the spectrum. This collection also showcases that maybe the well is running a bit dry, and I am not sure we see a third iteration unless they want to bring us the other Star Gladiator and Rival Schools titles. I am definitely down for more, but curious what is left in the tank. Still, I cannot recommend these collections enough for people who love fighting games. Some of these titles showcase Capcom at their peak and revisiting them has been an absolute delight.

The diversity of the control styles is incredible and it opens up the doors to what the system is really capable of.

Super Mega Baseball 3 is a phenomenal entry in the series, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. With MLB The Show branching out to multiple platforms next year it feels good that we will finally have two baseball games worth talking about during the season. No more is it a one-man game when it comes to America’s great pastime. Don’t let the price tag scare you, SMB3 is more than worth the price of admission and that overpriced hot dog.

Sexy Brutale is a title with an intriguing premise, backed up by a story well worth experiencing. However, the lackluster characterization and singular, uninteresting solutions to its puzzles hold it back from greatness.

MLB 14: The Show is a fantastic first offering on a new platform. I am impressed that every single feature is included, and the visuals are truly stunning.

Helldivers is held back from an even higher score by the fact that it is, ultimately, fairly isolating for the solo player. However, Arrowhead Game Studios have still created a wonderfully entertaining game here; one that performs best when its brilliant cooperative elements are fully embraced.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound doesn’t try to be everything, unlike many games nowadays; no, it just tries to be damn good at what it is. And that’s exactly why it works. This is the most focused, confident entry the series has seen in years. No bloated cutscenes, no watered-down combat, no unnecessary frills. Just you, your blade, and a demon army to cut through. It’s not perfect though, the short runtime and limited build variety may leave some wanting more but what’s here is tight, polished, and relentlessly fun. For fans of Black, Sigma, or even the NES originals, this is the closest we’ve gotten to the true spirit of Ninja Gaiden in over a decade.

Torchlight is homage to a simpler time in gaming, one that deserves all the positive word of mouth it has been gaining.

Even though Prison Architect has its share of flaws and limitations, it’s still a fun experience I’m sure fans of the genre will enjoy.

Ape Out is a game that is entirely the sum of its parts. Whilst many indie games look stylish, or sound cool, or have a solid gameplay mechanic, rarely do all three coalesce into something so memorably original. Ape Out will surely be one of the most unique games of 2019 and whilst it’s short, it packs a knockout punch.

It took me a while to really get the gameplay loop for Deadlink, I have played so many of these types of games and this one didn’t help things by having some confusing controls. But once I was able to wrap my head around everything, Deadlink is a pretty fun experience in small spurts. With a narrative that isn’t presented well in my opinion and a high difficulty level there really is no draw to spend hours in this world in one sitting; but in small spurts, I think fun can be found in Deadlink for some.

Series veterans who are itching for more puzzles and anyone new to the genre will have plenty here to enjoy.

I wish that NBA 2K15 didn’t have the netcode issues it has. Without them this would be a (pardon the pun) slamdunk purchase for all basketball fans.

To the uninitiated to the wild world of Danganronpa, at the bargain price point only $39.99, there is really no excuse for any PS4 owner that isn’t severely adverse to the idea of reading to not pick this up. This collection features some of the most exciting and mind-bending adventures I’ve had the pleasure of reading, and it remains just as it was three years ago, highly recommended.

It’s been an extremely long time since I’ve played an RPG that’s scratched an adventure itch in a classic sense. Even the other two Chronicles games didn’t capture me the same way this one does. It could be the setup, the character, the world, or some odd combination of a world in the clouds, but regardless it works for me. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 feels like a classic RPG from days past, when the original PlayStation seemed to spew one out every other week, and that’s a good thing.

While not quite living up to the “Advance” moniker in its title, Advance Wars provides a satisfying SRPG experience with its solid strategic combat and a wealth of content- making it a worthwhile addition to the library of any die-hard SRPG fan.

With Dark Souls Remastered you should know exactly what you are getting; a full fat port of a revered and classic game with all of the extra bells and whistles the little console can afford. You may have already picked this remaster up on another platform, and if you have then you may want to side step this release. But if you missed it, or if taking Lordran with you in your bag is too appealing to turn down, then follow the flame and praise the sun.

It's the closest you can get to the action without a ticket and a trip to South Africa.

The visuals, narrative, and gameplay of Gravity Rush are unlike anything available on any other system. The motion and touch controls here are perfectly tuned to its platform and nothing feels tacked on or gimmicky. The only drawbacks are the somewhat clunky combat and some disorientation while travelling or trying to position yourself carefully. Vita owners who have been looking for a new justification for their purchase have certainly found one here. If you own the system this game should be in your library.

There are some small improvements to the overall experience, just keep in mind, there’s nothing very revolutionary about Omega and Alpha.

The Frozen Wild is a great DLC that takes the core game, makes some new additions, and gives player a reason to return to the world in great form. There isn’t much here to really persuade anyone that wasn’t hugely into Horizon, but that’s usually not the case for DLC additional content. While it might not have the same initial wow impact as the first time, it makes returning here much more incentive and is a nice reminder towards the end of the year, just how much I enjoyed my time with Horizon in March and now once again in November.

I wanted to love Superhot more than I did, but its simplistic design and lack of variety really hurt it, even with its short campaign length.

Detention might not be garnering a ton of talk about its release on the PS4, which is a shame. Looking at the PC release, the reception then seemed to show a lot of critics agreeing, Detention does a lot with what’s there on a smaller scale. An extremely well done story crafted inside a psychological horror game that nails its terrifying atmosphere. It might not be the longest game or even the best horror game, but it truly got under my skin at times, and that’s one of the highest accolades I can give any title in the genre. Independent horror games continue to shine and bring forth some of the most interesting experiences when least expected. Here we have one that mixes history with fiction creating an ultimately trippy, twisted journey.

I said it before and I will say it again, I loved Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2.

Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 is easily the best version of the game, but it still lags behind the sheer polish and quality of the original. That said this is still one of the best action games of this generation, and PS3 owners should definitely not hesitate to lay down the sixty bucks for this amazing package.

If you crave old-school action that is just as relentless today as it was back in the 80s then Konami has answered your call.

All in all, Image & Form have once again knocked it out of the park with Steamworld Heist. Fun, addictive and comical, it has everything in needs to become another success for the Icelandic studio.

Trails in the Sky 3 is a departure from its predecessors in more ways than one, and is undoubtedly the weakest of the three titles. However, the foundation of what made the first two titles feel special still remains with charming, multi-layered characters I’ve fallen in love with all over again, and writing that plays my heartstrings like a god damn fiddle.

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.

Disc Room is an addictive title that lends itself to short bursts of play. On its surface it’s a very basic title, but in reality it plays with its formula in such fun ways that make it more than just dodging discs. Anyone on the fence like I was should try out the demo, which is a great taste for what the game offers, because I don’t think I’m doing this game justice. Neither does all the promotion Devolver has done for this game. Disc Room is something different, and I like it.

With the gripping story, the chaotic gameplay and brilliant graphics, it is a game that stands out among the best games on the system.

Y’all know me, I am an optimist, I have high hopes for Skull & Bones and I am sure that Sony will step in and get this resolved and we can all get back to fighting for freedom and democracy together. But in the meantime, if you don’t mind maybe not being able to play when you want, or having random crashes and missing rewards then dive into Helldivers 2. These are all growing pains and can be resolved, at the end of the day this game is blast, made more so when you are playing with friends which is evident if you watch any of our gameplay videos. If you all pick this up and happen to be teamed with ZeroTolerance, just watch ya back because he is all about completing the mission, teammates be damned. LOL.

The side missions may be repetitive, but the story is interesting, the characters are great, and the atmosphere is encompassing. Brütal Legend is definitely one of the better games I have played this year, and I look forward to seeing what the guys at Double Fine come up with next.

PowerWash Simulator 2 doesn’t need to shake things up to earn its spot. It’s a warm, relaxing escape that’s all about small wins and satisfying progress. On Xbox Series X, it looks cleaner, plays smoother, and offers just enough new content to keep both veterans and newcomers happy. Whether you’re playing solo or spraying away grime with friends, this is one of the most oddly comforting experiences on Xbox right now. It’s gaming at its most zen and sometimes, that’s exactly what we need.

This “late-to-the-party” edition is chock full of enough extra content to make the wait worthwhile, and if you have already seen all Bullworth has to offer on the PS2 there is enough here to at least warrant a rental.

But seriously, this is an ideal game for this platform, and great to just pick up and play at any time.

The Plucky Squire’s a charming, inventive, and utterly delightful adventure that deserves a place in every gamer’s collection. Whether you’re drawn to its unique mechanics, captivating story, or simply the joy of exploring a beautifully crafted world, this game offers something special for everyone. Don’t miss out on this enchanting journey—The Kingdom of Mojo needs their hero!

In my humble opinion, Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days for the PSP is the definitive Disgaea portable experience. From the widescreen presentation to the sound and voice work, the PSP is the benchmark for Disgaea on the go.

If you have a passion for action games, the Metroidvania style or just gorgeous animation in general, you need to play this game. It is definitely packed and more than worth the price of admission, and it is quite possibly my favorite XBLA game to come out this year. This is what Summer of Arcade was designed for.

With up to 32 player matches, the ability to use bots, and the incredible amount of customizable options this game will be played for a long time to come.

There is something magical about this trilogy. Sure Crash had more fanfare, but Spyro feels like a piece of history lost. Going back to these games was a pure joyful experience. Whether it was my fatigue of current titles or just that I crave colorful platformers, I cannot recommend this game enough. Even with its blemishes it was a title that I spent the most time smiling while playing.

Crisis Core Reunion is a wonderful upgrade to the original game that makes it better in some areas while showcasing some of its shortcomings at the same time. It is also weird to release a piece of this series on consoles that cannot continue the narrative unless they swap to another console. Final Fantasy VII is a classic for a reason and I did love a lot of the games that spawned from it. The story is fantastic and it is nice to see the series return to Xbox and Switch.

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

An innovative, fun, and interesting game that I think everyone with a Wii U should pick up. Give it a shot, you may very well find yourself in love with it much like I was.

One area Twisted Pixel always excels is writing and humor. Their games are genuinely funny, and Ms. Splosion Man continues that trend, even if it does rely too much on female stereotypes.