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

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

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

For those seeking an extra challenge there’s the Insane mode, which removes the level checkpoints. It’s a shame that the game doesn’t explain itself better, but it’s a lot of fun, and constantly had me saying “just one more level”.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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