While I know there are fans of the series, and from what I can gather, Tormented Fathers was actually a decent time, Broken Porcelain feels off to me. Perhaps it needed a few more months of development time to work out the bugs and maybe have a better optimized stealth mechanic, but I don’t think we’ll ever know. There is some complexity to the story and some decent atmosphere, but it takes a lot to actually get into it. If you’re invested in the series, this is a maybe, but if you’re looking for a horror stealth game, there are others to just play much better.

Pumpkin Jack is a great looking game, a great playing game, and a well written game. It should not be skipped in the slightest. The Halloween aesthetic may seem out of season now, but don’t let it fool you, this game is enjoyable at any time; the minions of hell rising up to destroy humanity truly is a timeless tale. The end credits show the development and love Nicolas poured into this game, and all of that can be found in the final product. I really hope this isn’t the last we see of Jack.

Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered is the perfect game to bring back. It harkens back to a time when racing games were simple and fun. I hope the Criterion team manages to get back to this formula. This was the last NFS game I enjoyed all around and have somewhat forgotten about the series since its release. It seems EA knows this considering this is the title they chose to remaster. For those that thirst for the classic days of the Need for Speed series, this is a solid title to add to your collection.

Ghostrunner is a game of pain and suffering. Repetition sets in. It never deterred me from hitting continue though. This marks a nice balance of forcing players to master their combat, while also intriguing them to keep going. I absolutely had a blast and cannot wait to see the upgrades on next-gen consoles. This is not a game to sleep on, just be aware it may cause nightmares.

Cobra Kai is a fun game that falls victim to a lot of the genre’s downsides. I enjoyed it for what it was, but have a hard time recommending it mostly due to the $40 point of entry. The game has enough content, but it drags at times. This leads to a game that would have been an easy win if it was priced a little lower. I understand why with having the actors portray their roles, but this game could have done better with soundalikes and a lower price point.

Hades stands not only as the finest, most well-crafted game from the exceedingly talented developers at Supergiant but as one of the pinnacles of the genre. If you never looked at rogue-likes seriously before due to differences in personal tastes and what you believe that they represent, this might be the very title to change your mind.

Transformers Battlegrounds is a decent game that is marred by being confused as to who it is aimed for. Diehard fans of the franchise like me won’t find much challenge or diversity here to enjoy. Kids jumping in might not share the same nostalgia for these characters. The game also carries a hefty price tag, doesn’t feature online play, and boasts a relatively short campaign. While Transformers could work well in the genre, I am not sure this one hits on all the right notes.

The combat is sound, the loot is there, and playing with friends is a great time, but it does absolutely nothing to stand out in the crowded genre. It also does very little to stand out from its own predecessors. That is the biggest crime this game commits. There is simply nothing here that screams bigger and better than the last game. Still even with these shortcomings Torchlight III is a solid ARPG that will please anyone who decides to take the plunge. I enjoyed the hours I got from it, and loved playing with friends online. I had a hard time coming back to it regularly like other titles such as Diablo III and Path of Exile, which is not good considering how old those games are.

Like a Dragon is a wonderful jumping in point for the series and also one of the best titles in it to date. Don’t sleep on this game, it is worth digging into.

Raji was a decent experience. While it never stood out from the combat focused platformer crowd, it never buried itself in the crowd either. It’s fine game that I think fans of this style of game will enjoy even with the issues I had. If only the loading screen wasn’t so long, I wouldn’t have had as many issues with failing at my jumps and at the combat with several enemies. In the end, this is a different take on a familiar style of game that is just fine, but doesn’t stand out.

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.

Foregone is a wonderful surprise in a crowded genre of gaming. There are a ton of other titles exactly like it, but this one just stands head and shoulders above the rest. I cannot recommend this game enough. It might tick all the usual boxes, but it ticks them extremely well. I haven’t had this much reverence for a game of this type in a long time. Do not sleep on Foregone.

I had a great time with 9 Monkeys of Shaolin. It was a fun time for the most part, and I constantly wanted to experiment with the different gear and skills. It was one that I always found myself jumping back into it just to get a few more levels in. If you’re a fan of the beat ‘em up genre, this is one you will need to check out. It has the style and the complexity to keep players having fun for the entirety of the game.

Star Wars: Squadrons is a wonderful entry in EA’s use of the license. It took long enough to get a proper dogfighting game, but the one they deliver should appease fans. The campaign is short, but sweet. The online is a blast with friends, and I hope it continues to flourish with players for a long time.

A true culmination of an epic journey filled with unforgettable characters in a world that has become as familiar and inviting to me as my own hometown. If not for the lackluster localization effort and continuous implementation of uneven voice acting, this could have been the perfect send off for the members of Class VII, Thors military academy.

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.

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

Operation Blackout nails the nostalgia. Everything about this package is incredible for fans of G.I. Joe. The problem is the game play itself. The shooting is not fun and for a game that revolves around that, it is hard to ignore. I kept playing wanting to love this game and simply could not. I hope the developers tweak and fix these issues as this game is begging me to love it. As it stands though it is a disappointing trip down memory lane. Now if you will excuse me I am going to go back to playing it in hopes that I can find enjoyment in nostalgia.

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.

Feeling very dated in both visuals and gameplay I really can’t recommend it at the full asking price, especially as there are ways in which you can still get hold of download codes for the original release at a fraction of the price. It may have been a different story had there been more work done bringing the game up-to-date and squishing those darn bugs, but this feels like nothing more than a cash grab to make up for some of the money spent on purchasing the IP. Wait for a price drop.

Avengers has the legs for a good games as a service model. It can stand on its own for a while, and with new content coming as soon as this month, it should keep things fresh. Now, that doesn’t mean monotony won’t set in, it most certainly does. Especially after finishing the best part of the game – the story missions. These types of games live and breathe on their player base and so far, it’s been alright. Only time will tell, and we’ll see how long Avengers is supported. While right now, Marvel’s Avengers is a good game that has a few issues here and there, but a fun time nonetheless, in a year’s time, it could very well be a great game with more varied content. There is most certainly the potential for that here. Let’s hope it actually happens.

I don’t see this being a huge sell to kids and clearly this game has kids in mind and it’s disappointing because the game is good. The license is just so squandered. It’s a game that I think is fun and is worth a play, but I cannot recommend paying full price. $30 is the sweet spot because it just lacks the character that other karts racers have. It’s simple to pick up and play so if Mario Kart has run its course (heh) give this one a try with some friends.

WWE 2K Battlegrounds is a fun romp that I enjoyed a lot more than I anticipated I would. Again, take it with a grain of salt as I am not a wrestling fan anymore. This reminded me of the more friendly spectacle of past games like WWE Arcade and Superstars. I wish there were more legends to be found and the models weren’t so creepy at times, but as a whole this is the best use of the license in years.

Spelunky 2 is likely to delight those who revere its predecessor. As for newcomers, a whole new world of curiosity, frustration, rage quitting, perseverance and reward awaits. This is a game that may be a challenge to get into for some, but sooner rather than later determination to succeed will likely evolve into devotion. This will be a game that will always encourage players to come back for more.

Super Mario 3D All-Stars is certainly rough around the edges as far as a classic collection is concerned, but there is no denying the impact of all three games. The omission of Galaxy 2 and the questionable ports are certainly head scratchers, but that doesn’t change the fact that this collection will deliver hours of fun for Mario players old and new. Another solid title for the Switch lineup. Now make sure to snag it before Nintendo removes it from sale…at least until they break it up and sell them individually that is.

NBA 2K21 is a tough game to review. On the court, the game is mostly very good. The passing and dribbling feels excellent and the My Career mode is certainly well-acted. It could easily be a high 8 or 9 if the whole progression system didn’t feel so broken. If you know how aggressive the microtransactions are going in, and are willing to either stall your progress or spend the money, you’ll find a really good on-court game here. If not however, it’s likely to be a very frustrating experience.

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

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 is one of the best remakes of two of the best video games ever made. For fans like me who grew up playing it, this is what we have wanted since the series started its downward spiral in its later years. It feels like Tony Hawk is back for the first time in a decade. For those not familiar this is the best way to jump into the action. This package is incredible, and I hope Activision expands it with DLC for Tony Hawk 3+4 at some point down the line.

The visuals are absolutely incredible. As mentioned, the stages really pop, and the thick defined polygons really capture that 90s feel. The game runs at a wonderful clip and the colors simply pop off the screen. The music is fun, and the characters all have unique attitudes, even if they wear out their welcome quickly. Hotshot Racing is an incredible nostalgia trip that I cannot recommend enough. Game Pass owners should note that the game is included in Microsoft’s service, so there is no excuse not to give it a try. This is the most fun I have had with a racing game in quite some time.

Mortal Shell is built around a solid foundation with a fun and responsive combat engine propped up by strong visuals. While some obtuse design choices and an uninteresting world holds it back from escaping the moniker of being, “just yet another souls-like”, it’s guaranteed to scratch that itch, at least a little.

All in all this is a solid collection of an excellent series of games. If you haven’t played the games before this is a great way to jump in to all of them at once. The four button setup makes these games relatively welcoming for newcomers, and an in-game move list helps as well (although a full training mode would have been preferable). As a longtime fan of the series I greatly enjoyed the museum content and the ability to play SamSho V: Perfect for the first time. I would say it’s a must buy if you’re an experienced fan of the series and want a chance to explore its history in a unique way.

Wasteland 3 is a great ride and fans of the genre should thoroughly enjoy it. It’s an added bonus that familiarity with Wasteland 2 is really not a pre-requisite for picking up Wasteland 3 – the game is accessible and holds up in its own right. Whilst the player-controlled characters lack any kind of development, fortunately this oversight does not apply to the rest of the inhabitants of Colorado Springs. There’s depth to the game’s story and its setting, and for the most part decisions have consequences. With around 60 hours of content, Wasteland 3 is well worth the investment.

Windbound is a fantastic adventure wrapped in a questionable package. I remember distinctly being super excited for this game from the trailers. I wanted it to be a Zelda-style adventure in the absence of titles like it recently. The mixture of mystique and survival though just doesn’t work well here. The things that make each of these genres interesting are not combined effectively most of the time. What I wanted to do in discovering Windbound’s mysteries felt at odds with its base mechanics. I wanted to love this title a lot more than I ended up doing.

Madden 21 is the first time I have found it hard to recommend upgrading. It truly does feel like a roster update in a lot of areas. Franchise mode is super disappointing for me. I spend hundreds of hours in it yearly and I can’t tell a difference between the game I played last week and today. The developers have said they are listening and have heard our requests. This could be patched in. I still want to see this game on new hardware, but as of now I am having a hard time saying Madden is worth the annual upgrade for gamers.

Fairy Tail is a straightforward game that does enough to keep it interesting throughout. Those of us not familiar with the show will have to put in a little extra work to understand everything that is going on, but fans of the series will really enjoy the pieces here. There is even an added epilogue treat that should really excite people who know the story. While there are a lot of anime games pumped out regularly, this one feels like it plays it safe where it needs to, while still delivering an enjoyable experience all around.

Skully is a game that is easily forgettable and hardly recommendable. It is something that if you got free through a Games with Gold you would be encapsulated for all of 30 minutes and then likely never play again. It had promise with its quirky story and unique mechanics, but it never capitalizes on any of them, making it feel like yet another game lost in the ether of releases in 2020.

Battletoads is a game that shouldn’t work in 2020. The originals were brutal tests of patience and I mean come on, it has been nearly three decades. Who under 30 actually remembers these characters? Still, for someone like me it is a real treat to see Microsoft once again return a former beloved Rare property back to its glory. I like where this is going and if we can bring the rest of the crew back, I will once again relive my youth. Banjo, Conker, and Joanna are next on the docket, let’s hope they see the same love and care as these toads have.

This is not a bad collection; the games are a lot of fun and play well, but like its Arcade counterpart I can’t recommend it at this price, especially when I feel this is the weaker of the two collections. M2 does great work and it’s on display here, but I think these two collections should have been bundled together and sold at full price, not in two separate collections bundled at full price each.

Despite being charming and oftentimes funny with some great set piece moments sprinkled throughout, Paper Mario: The Origami King’s repetitive combat and dull sense of progression hampers an otherwise enjoyable journey.

I cannot recommend this collection at this price. M2 definitely brought their museum quality curation to this collection with how many versions of Darius have been included in this including the extremely rare, maybe not released Sagaia (Version 2) but compared to M2’s other releases this is no more than their Castlevania Collection or their SEGA Ages releases. It’s hard to justify this price other than the fact that all home releases of Darius seem to be a bit pricey. This is made worse by the fact that this collection only has the arcade games: there’s another separate purchase for the console releases and when they are both purchased, they come close to $100. Do not get me wrong, this is a very good collection, but it is very hard to justify a purchase at full price for what is essentially 3 unique games and 4 variations.

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.

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.

I really like Fight Crab. It’s something different and I hope the absurd nature of the concept attracts players. I think the somewhat wonky physics mixed with the desire to consistently up the ante throughout the campaign made me excited to see what was in store come the next level in the campaign. I hope maybe some DLC will come to add some more levels and items to make this game even crazier, because as of right now it’s a fairly light package as a single player experience, but I can imagine that this would be a great game to pull out with friends over. Fight Crab is something very different and I hope it pays off for Calappa Games.

Destroy All Humans! Is still a fun game in 2020. With the quality of life improvements and updated visuals it passes as a game that could have been released today, just not a showcase piece. I loved these types of B-tier titles last generation and am glad to see them making a somewhat return to prominence. Now if we could only get a new title in the series of the same quality I would be down with a next-gen version of Crypto’s shenanigans. Just forget that Big Will Unleashed ever existed and we will be just fine.

Easy to pick up and play, CARRION is original, absorbing and entertaining.It also has an excellent soundtrack – it’s cinematic horror vibe is the perfect accompaniment for the bloodbath that ensues.

The Foundation is a great expansion that I had to wait too long to play. I really hate timed exclusive content, and especially DLC. If not for a review code I might have passed on this simply because Control was so far out of my mind at this point. I am glad that is not the case, and if you are like me forgot this existed, it is time to remember. I cannot wait for the second pack and to once again return to the Oldest House to learn more about the Bureau.

As Switch ports go, this is definitely up there with the best. Turn Me Up Games have done a great job is stuffing so much gameplay in to a small cartridge (even if the game will still take up over 12GB of space on your console or SD Card), and if you have never played these games before, then this really is a viable option. However, as with all three of the 2K Switch collections I cannot help but mention that these games are available on all modern consoles, and at a much cheaper price. So, if you already own a PC, PS4 or Xbox One, those might be the better ways to go.

So how do I review something that I can barely play? I suppose I can start by not recommending it as that section is so brutally unfair that it’s not fun. It’s been a long time since I’ve gotten frustrated at a game but this game got me there. I am disappointed because this game was really cool until that point and I am sure it is really cool afterwards too but I’m not going to sit there and bash my head against something that clearly puts luck over actual skill.

Disintegration is a solid game that relies too heavily on the wrong pieces. The multiplayer is limited and the campaign feels haphazard at times. I still really enjoyed my time with it and suggest everyone give it a look down the line. Not sure if the multiplayer aspect will have a tail outside of the launch window, but the campaign is solid and the mix of styles really sets this game apart from a lot on the market.

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.

Beyond Blue is a relaxing experience that will appease players who cannot get enough nature documentaries on Netflix. I loved taking my time and scanning creatures and just exploring the ocean. There is a lot of interesting info wrapped around a solid gaming experience. Beyond Blue is the kind of game that players will just know they will enjoy by looking at it.

Project Warlock isn’t going to set the world on fire, but what it sets out to do it does well. I found myself loving certain sections while struggling with others. With a few tweaks it could easily become a fan-favorite title that scratches that itch so many other games attempt and fail at.

There were a few technical glitches, but nothing game breaking. It feels like the best B-tier platforming game I have played in a long time, and doesn’t feel as dated as I expected it to. I think fans of SpongeBob, parents, and fans of 3D platformers should really think about getting this game. It’s a lot of fun and it’s being released at a discount price, which is crazy because it’s clear Purple Lamp Studios has put a ton of work into this remake. It’s probably one of the best ways a person looking to just have some fun can spend $30.

Xenoblade Chronicles is a fantastic game. It has some feelings of Final Fantasy XII, but at the same time, feels unlike any other game. The combat is complex and challenging, exploration is both fun and rewarding, and the story and world is something to be seen. Fans of the original game can still have a blast here and people who never tried it before on Wii or 3DS should most certainly pick this one up. This is one of those RPG that will be on top 10 lists for years.

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

Overall, the X-COM 2 Collection offers a great deal of content for a small price. But unless you don’t have any other means of playing it; or if you absolutely must play in on the go, then you and your wallet would probably be better served buying it on a different platform.

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

Shantae and the Seven Sirens is a great addition to the series and a return to its more Metroidvania roots. I loved it a lot more than the last iteration and continue to look forward to each new chapter. While the series is not as well-known as other games, I feel like it should be. The quality is there and each version just seems to add enough new to keep it fresh. This is a title that should not be overlooked, and it is available on absolutely everything, so there is no excuse not to give it a go.

If classic run and gun games are something that piques the interest, Huntdown is a must buy. I am glad the amazing trailer was for a fantastic game. A throwback that doesn’t reinvent the wheel but works out some of the finer kinks of the genre.

In the end, I think Moons of Madness is an ok game that could have used a little more fine tuning with both the story and the horror/survival mechanics. I would never say this is a bad game by any means, but it is most certainly a forgettable one. I feel like I have seen something like this before in multiple other games and remember them much more than I did this one. At the same time, if you’re looking for a horror game that has some interesting mechanics at times and some decent atmosphere, I would at least wait for a price drop, but would consider this if you haven’t tried it.

The big question is the price tag. While the complete collection is a reasonable $60, owners of other versions are required to drop $40 to get the new story content and characters. It is a steep price for three characters and a new three-hour campaign, but the quality is there. For fans, it is a no-brainer, but for casuals the barrier to entry is high.

It’s dumb fun. It’s junk food. It’s a B-tier game that has decent writing and is doing something different. I had fun for the just under 30 hours it took to complete everything the game had to offer. It’s not perfect, but neither has been any other title to try and tackle this sort of experience; this game is by far the best though. If just swimming around and proving who’s the real apex predator sounds appealing then this is the game to play. There’s not much out there like Maneater.

Saints Row: The Third Remastered is an impressive return to this title. The developer went out of their way to bring this title back with plenty of upgrades and overhauls to make it feel like we remember. I do wish the game remained locked at 60fps on the newer consoles, even if it sacrificed some of the resolution though. As it stands this is the best version of the game to date and a perfect excuse for me to overrun Steelport once again.

Even though the lackluster combat is a major detractor in an otherwise great return to form for the series, it doesn’t ruin the experience either. Despite being on hiatus for so long, this release proves that there is life left for the series, and I for one can’t wait to see what’s next in store for the world of Sakura Wars.

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.

After playing The Persistence on Xbox One I’m sort of disappointed I skipped it on PlayStation VR. The game is really well done and is built in a way that every small step helps; even if I die on a level, as long as I have collected something my time is not wasted. I’m fairly open that horror games are sort of a new passion of mine and I really liked the atmosphere in this game and a big part of that is how good the enemy AI is. There is a lot to like in this game as long as randomized gameplay (rogue light elements) are not a turn off. The Persistence is definitely one of the best rogue light experiences I have played in quite some time and I will likely go back and try the VR origins of this title.

There is a lot to love about SuperMash, and I had a blast making new games. I still pop it in even now to see what it will throw at me. I really hope the DLC delivers and it will continue to earn a spot on my hard drive. I definitely recommend this for fans of classic Nintendo and those like me who want quick and bite-sized experiences.

Ion Fury is a wonderful throwback to classic FPS games I grew up with. It hits all the right notes with its design, weapons, and pacing. I wish the technical issues were ironed out before launch, but if you go in knowing those caveats and the possibility of being fixed in the future, a good time can be had. Ion Fury was great and beefy experience that fans of Duke, Blood, and Shadow Warrior can happily put in their collection right next to those gems.

Daymare 1998 is clearly an homage to survival horror games from the original PlayStation era. It hits some notes while missing plenty more. With some more tweaking and optimization this could have been a great addition to the genre. What is here though leaves a lot to be desired and falls more into the area of being a game that will spark some nostalgia, but induce more frustration at what could have been.

HyperParasite has a wonderful look and feel, but is marred by its “rogue” elements. It doesn’t do anything to push the genre forward and feels like yet another game that I would likely never finish due to tedium.

It feels like we waited a lifetime to finally play this game, and even now it has only just begun. There is so much more of the original game to come. The problem is we have no idea when it will land and how many more times we will have to pay for a chapter, but if they are as quality as this entry I am all for it. Final Fantasy 7 was the first in the series that really grabbed me. It has its nostalgic hooks into me and I will be here for every entry. I hope they clean up the pacing issues and continue to wow me as they go along. For now this is one of the best games of the year, and still gives me chills with its presentation and music.

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.

Gears Tactics is a fantastic game. The XCOM fans will have a ball with it and maybe even some Gears fans will get into the strategy genre. Who knows? Either way, Splash Damage has created a fine tactical game that fans will enjoy and have a great time with, while not sacrificing the skill wall and difficulty. It is a game I wholeheartedly recommend.

The worst part about this was that every second of this game was enjoyable. It was funny. It was charming. The music was great. I had a lot of fun. But ultimately the gameplay sort of just boils down to Just Dance in VR and Just Dance releases at a discount price and has more “game” just by the sheer number of songs. I mean there really isn’t much to say about Space Channel 5 VR other than there is not enough game here for the price they are asking, and more salt is poured into the wound because what is here is a lot of fun.

Totally Reliable Delivery Service is a game that might provide passing entertainment to a group of friends for an hour or two; and the more challenging deliveries do generate some hilarious moments whilst making one ever more determined to try and complete them. But the novelty soon wears off, and there’s not really anything here that is likely to convince many to stay. Still, that’s a little more than what’s on offer for the single player – which, disappointingly, is really nothing at all.

If you have an Xbox, PC, or PS4, just grab it there for half the price and you get Gat out of Hell with it. The only way I could see saying pick this version up is if you have no other avenue to play it. It’s still a fun ride, but the price of admission is steep for something that a) came out seven years ago and b) doesn’t have everything in it but is still charging more for it. The choice is yours, but I would wait until we get a price drop that is equal to the other versions of this game.

Persona 5 Royal is the definitive version of the game, and unlike the recent Tokyo Mirage Session re-release on Switch, the new content adds a lot to the experience. It may be a big commitment to play through the whole game, but there is no better reason for old fans to re-visit this world or new fans to get their first taste.

Exit the Gungeon is ultimately neither a good bullet hell game, nor a particularly fun experience. All in all, it’s a pretty bite size offering that lacks the variety one would expect from a full PC title. The lack of a twin stick control scheme, combined with the gun blessing sweepstakes and the requirement for constant jumping and dodging, means aiming at enemies isn’t fluid. The blessing mechanic effectively feels like a mod – something a player might try out for fun, or to change up their experience with the game, or to add a new challenge into the mix. In reality though, there is unfortunately no uninstalling this feature. Players are better off sticking to mobile, or more sophisticated shmups.

Code Shifter is a neat idea that simply does not do itself any favors. The game play is fine, just uninspired. I wish it was more fleshed out with more variety in combat and design. The ideas are there even if the game play falls short. Code Shifter is a game aimed at such a niche audience; I wonder if it will find one at all.

Doom Eternal is an outstanding entry in the series marredby a few setbacks. There is a ton of content including one of the best shooter campaigns I have played this generation. The push and pull method of the combat is addictive to master and a blast to play. Everything looks and sounds fantastic and this is a game that makes me smile as a fan since the beginning. While the generation may be coming to an end, Doom Eternal is one of the games that will send it off with a bang.

The biggest problem Freedom Finger runs into is its lack of variety. The story and humor carry it for a while, but by the ends I grew tired of its monotony. I wish there was just a little more to it. The game looks cool, sounds great, and plays wonderfully, and it looks and runs good to boot. I just felt like it gave little reason to keep coming back for more. Lean into the ridiculous and add more modes or outlandish power-ups to keep things fresh, as it stands this is a game that I picked up once and put down without any intention of coming back. Still, I loved the time I spent with it.

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.

Granblue Fantasy: Versus makes a great first impression with its stellar visual flair but falls a bit short on the gameplay department with simplistic combat mechanics and a story mode that becomes boring a little too quickly.

While I can’t say that every game is a winner in this collection, those that are vastly outshine the lesser offerings. This bundle is a must have for any lovers of old side scrolling beat ‘em ups and more arcadey sports games, especially for those who want to play with friends.

Disaster Report 4 should be avoided. If looked at as a survival game it fails even on the merits of past titles in the series. If looked at as a visual novel it fails on the fact it is not compelling, poorly written, and lacks any sort of gameplay hook to engage the player. I am unsure who this is for, but for people like myself who found entertainment in Disaster Report and Raw Danger this is nowhere near as good as either of those games. If I had to sum up this game in one word the best I could do is two words and a hyphen: half-baked.

Despite missing a few defining features of the original, Resident Evil 3 makes for a thrilling experience that I’m sure will be enjoyed by both veterans of the series and new fans alike.

Mega Man Zero/ZX Legacy Collection provides a compelling package for those who never had the opportunity to check out a piece of lesser known Megaman history.

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.

At the end of the day, Battle for the Grid is a solid fighting game. In fact, it is a really good one. The systems work well, it looks flashy and fun, and there’s a decent learning curve to keep players busy. The only thing that really holds it back is the lack of a community. Granted, I am doing this review later on since it released, but I would hope for more than 20 people online playing at the same time. Fighting game fans should give this one a shot if they haven’t already. Maybe bolster up the online community a bit. If that can be done, we’ll have a grand fighter on our hands.

Time hasn’t aged this game one bit; I still found it as adorable as I did back in 2016. It is great that TMS is now available to a wider audience and hopefully will it get the sales it deserves. In my opinion it is not only the best JRPG on the Switch, but stands shoulder to shoulder with the best of all time.

The Xbox One version looks just as good if not a little better than its PS4 counterpart. It runs at a higher resolution and the world feels alive. It still has markings of its PS3 building, but it looks great regardless. I cannot wait to play Kiwami and Kiwami 2 on Xbox as well, as I never got a chance to finish those when they originally released. If for some reason you have not experienced the series there has never been a better time. The PS4 version is always on sale, it is in Game Pass for both Xbox and PC. Do not hesitate, play Yakuza and join me in experiencing one of the most unique and interesting games of the generation.

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.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a game I might not have felt we needed, but could not stop playing once I dove in. It retains what made the original special while also adding enough to warrant a sequel. Moon Studios truly has carved out a spot for themselves among the pantheon of indie developers. I cannot wait to see what they do next and as for this title, there is simply no reason not to dive in. It is included in Game Pass and even at its asking price, it is more than worth the price of admission.

Underhero is not a difficult game, but it is a beefy one. Players could spend anywhere from 15-25 hours in it depending on how much they backtrack and collect upgrades and items. The combat continuously evolves to keep it interesting, and the charm manages to last all the way through. While there are plenty of games keeping us busy these days, Underhero is one that should be on your radar at some point. The light price tag and unending charm make it a sleeper hit and one I can whole-heartidly recommend.

I had taken a long break from Monster Hunter altogether and when I booted up Iceborne for this review, I fell back in love with the game. This is how you do an expansion. For me, Iceborne will go down in gaming history as one of those great expansions like The Shivering Isles, Undead Nightmare, and Blood and Wine. If you are remotely a Monster Hunter fan, this is a must have. If you have been interested in Monster Hunter but have yet to try it, do yourself a favor and pick up Monster Hunter World and this expansion. It’s the most accessible Monster Hunter to date and a fantastic entry into the series.

Zombie Army 4 is a fine end to the series. I feel like it could only go so far and while I was skeptical of one more entry, Rebellion has done a great job of making it stand out from its predecessors. It is a mindless shooting gallery that makes a fantastic chatroom game. Find some buddies and strap in to wipe out hordes of zombies. The slow motion kills are still satisfying and the themed levels make the slog more enjoyable. A fine game in a dumb fun series.

The only benefit to playing on PS4 to me is that I can hold the controller in a way that my thumbs are always on the face buttons which was something I couldn’t do on both the PSP and the Vita. So I would skip this unless it is the only way you can play Patapon (and I would suggest the first game because this picks up the story right after the end of that game). Even then I can’t actually say that it will work because of the calibration issues. This was an issue with Parappa the Rapper and again Sony just didn’t put in the work. Patapon 2 is a great game; this remaster is only just okay.

The Darksiders universe has always been an intriguing one, filled with larger-than-life characters, a deep, if not slightly confusing storyline and a glorious aesthetic that seems to come straight off of a 70’s prog-metal album cover. Genesis may position itself as merely a side story; just a small alternative look at one part of this universe. But it is so much more than that. It offers a more personal story and one that may seem insignificant at first, but has wider implications to the story as a whole. Tied to that is gameplay that is both fun and chaotic in equal measure and offers replay value to those who want to go back again and again.