Atlas Fallen does some things right as a new franchise, the world that the team has made is interesting and begs to be explored, the story is for the most part extremely well told and as I said graphically the game looks great. But the unevenness of the combat just makes avoiding fights more common than facing enemies head on. Which is truly a shame because as I said above, I love action games and had high hopes that Atlas Fallen would stick the landing. I am hoping this is something that can be fixed with a patch, because I did enjoy skating around the sands and exploring the massive levels.

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

The beautiful graphics, unique characters and fun combat doesn’t take away from the fact that this is an old-school RPG at heart with new school wrappings. AA boasts a fun take on the traditional job systems found in JRPGs, I just wish it was given a story to match all of the great things it has going for it. Fights can drag on at times much like the JRPG’s of old, what helps is the amazing art and effects from the various attacks. But while fans of the older Final Fantasy’s and even Dragon Quest games may enjoy this trip of nostalgia; those folks raised on Persona 5’s and the last few Final Fantasy’s might be in for a bit of a shock. Astria Ascending isn’t a bad game, just a flawed one; but if you enjoy Vanillaware games and don’t mind a grind a lot of fun can be had here.

A very competent class based shooter. It holds up well against the competition, and brings a style unique to the genre.

Mirage is a title that takes some getting used to, but once the player gets over the initial hump, there is a stylish spectacle hack and slash here the fans of the genre will surely enjoy.

I have to give props to Light Tracer for attempting to take a classic genre and flipping it on its head to fit in VR. In some areas it shines, but it is where it counts the most, in the controls, that the game just falls short on. If you have a PSVR collecting dust, then there is value in picking Light Tracer up and giving it a try, if only to experience a platformer in VR. But I would recommend maybe holding off for an inevitable sale.

Killing Floor 3 is a weird one. It looks better. It’s technically deeper. The gore and co-op moments still slap. But it’s also slower, clunkier, and more controlled than the chaos we used to love.

It’s definitely a compelling addition to the narrative, but most players will do better to wait and pick it up on sale.

It is still fantastic to see where the series started and how far it has come. It is also great to see how much influence this unique action RPG has had on current games in the genre.

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

Stubbs is a fun game that doesn’t take itself seriously. There is really nothing else quite like it, and I had fun revisiting this dumb action title. For those that never got a chance to play it before it is more than worth checking out, if for nothing else but seeing how different this game is from pretty much everything else out there. It thrives on its wackiness and dumb fun and is still enjoyable today. And now players can experience it on every console or PC under the sun.

In the end, I Hate This Place is a strong survival-horror experience that knows exactly what it wants to be. It’s tense, stylish, and unapologetically hostile, but it’s also fair more often than not. The rough spots are noticeable, but they don’t overshadow the game’s strengths. If you enjoy survival-focused gameplay, atmospheric horror, and a visual style that stands out from the crowd, this is absolutely worth your time.

In fact I thought despite the QTE, and some other frustrating parts it was a pretty fun game.

I couldn't help but find myself coming back for the gorgeous animations and characters, as well as the fast-paced combat. Yes, the game is punishing and will likely make you want to throw a controller in anger, but it is still fun.

Rango is yet another solid licensed game that obviously had some time and thought put into it.

With a great cast of characters, tons of unlockables, and a solid single-player campaign JLH is worth picking up for fans of the comics. Casual gamers looking for more bang for their buck may want to wait to get their hands on "Marvel Ultimate Alliance."

Biomutant is a game I had issues with, but could not stop exploring the world. It has its issues for sure. The combat feels extremely unsatisfying at times and the repeated designs are disappointing. Still there is nothing quite like this game and I adore that. It reminds me of getting unique experiences that we just don’t see in this new world. It is clear that this team also remembers those types of games and have crafted one of the best ones to date. Don't’ sleep on Biomutant. It is truly one of the most original experiences I have played in a long time.

Spongebob Squarepants: The Cosmic Shake is a standard platform collect-a-thon that is held up by its content and humor. I was smiling the entire time I was playing it and it lasts just the right amount of time. I feel like Rehydrated was a touch more interesting on the whole, but this follow-up is more than worth your time if you are a fan of the genre or subject matter. Spongebob is timeless and can be enjoyed by anyone of any age, even if your nostalgia for it is as nonexistent as mine is.

For Tex Murphy veterans it’s like finding an old photo album full of happy memories, and for outsiders it’s a solid, if occasionally frustrating, adventure game.

Game Dev Tycoon has some nice bells and whistles and the social commentary and satire on the video game industry is charming at times. The game “has its moments” and “I liked it.” but it still has a limited amount of content that will keep the players coming back for more, and even when they do come back, it will take a while to get into the meat and potatoes of the experience. Still, that first play through was one enjoyable ride down video game history lane.

Earth’s Dawn isn’t as a good as Odin Sphere, or even at the same level. It doesn’t have to be though. This is clearly a more budget focused title and it shows. All things considered, it’s one of the more fun and addicting games I’ve played this year, and surprisingly so. A game I almost didn’t give a second glance, and here I was being pulled away from other huge heavy holiday games. It offers a lot of content to work through, and for the price, players could do much worse this year.

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.

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED: Battle Destiny Remastered is a weird product. It’s not the best Gundam game on PC (that’s still probably Gundam Breaker 3, if I’m being honest), nor is it the most accessible. But for SEED fans, especially those who remember poring over the original’s menus with a translation guide in hand, this remaster is a nostalgic gift. For everyone else? It’s an old warhorse with a new coat of paint and a reminder that sometimes, the past is best visited with tempered expectations.

Deadlight tries to do something new with the zombie genre by paying more attention to solving puzzles and using platforming elements to get away from zombies. While I applaud the effort, it just falls flat. Dodging the fast, pack-forming zombies is extremely frustrating, and if caught by one, you are as good as dead. Topped with jumping that requires absolute perfect timing, the result is multiple retries that add frustration and suck the fun out of the game.

At the end of the day, I can say with confidence that Hyperdevotion Noire: Goddess Black Heart is easily the best game in the series, and certainly worth the time of any JRPG fan.

It looks like a budget game, feels like a budget game and is a ton of fun for the price. Stupid, campy and one of my guilty pleasures for the year.

Sure, it didn't make Spike's VGA list, but Escape from Adventure Island is a hit with its target audience. Rest assured, your 5-9 year old will enjoy the game - and the learning.

Rollers of the Realm oversells its limited RPG element quite a bit in advertisement, and perhaps that was smart, because it managed to pique my interest enough to give it a try.