The Walking Dead Season 2 has finally hit its stride for me. I really didn’t enjoy episode 1 too much due to both technical issues and having to set up back-story for many characters. Episode 2 remedies that by fixing all the bugs, putting the player in constant tense situations and having some truly frightening set pieces.

I can’t stress enough how much I love the look and feel of Sunset Overdrive. The style alone was worth the price of admission. Everything about it feels fresh. It isn’t derivative of other games, even though it borrows heavily from several.

Toy Soldiers is a nice introduction to the Block Party, and a game that should entice fans of the genre. If you are worn out on tower defense this game will certainly not pull you back in, but for those still digging it, this is one of the best on the service.

Crysis is an audio delight. From the thundering explosions, to report of sniper rifle shots from across an open area, you can't do better than the effects in this game.

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.

RAGE is an excellent game that combines the pedigree of id's amazing gunplay with an open-world style game that focuses on action as opposed to RPG elements.

Overall, the Metal Gear Solid collection is a really nice portable version of two of the most compelling and cinematic games ever. If you are a fan and own a PSVita, then you may enjoy reliving some of the saga on the go. However, for those of you who have never played a Metal Gear game, pick this up if you love deep stories, incredible cinematic cut-scenes, complete thematic insanity, and the thrill of surviving by your wits.

Naughty Dog has become the de-facto Sony developer for a reason, and this showcases some of their best work. These games still hold up well today and highlight how this forgotten genre is still one of the best in gaming. If you own a PS3, this is yet another HD collection you simply have to own.

The art direction astutely compliments the gameplay and the self-referential, retro-infused style of Zombie Night Terror. It is a title that feels a lot like a postmodern love letter to games of a bygone era.

Going into Shantae: Half-Genie Hero as someone who had no experience with the series has left me feeling impressed by the undeniable charm of the titular heroine, and has all but guaranteed that I will be going back to check out the earlier games in the franchise for some more half-genie action.

Madden NFL 19 is a solid outing this year, but again it is more a refinement than anything else. It feels like a game targeted at the usual players and not bringing in anyone new. I hope that the series ups their game next year and really brings back the thunder it can certainly have. I still have issues with some of the AI, and the commentary really makes me feel like I am playing last year’s game at times.

This package is worth the price of admission for Planescape Torment alone. It’s a true classic of the genre and something that every western RPG fan should play at least once. Icewind Dale makes for a worthy counterbalance to the package overall and is certainly worth your time if you’re a fan of the Infinity Engine games, particularly if you enjoy the combat. All in all, I can definitely recommend this package for fans of this genre.

Crash Drive 3 is a lot of fun, it’s a great game to pick up have a little fun and move on till next time, but if you choose to stay longer you’ll find a ton of stuff to unlock and secrets to chase that will keep you busy for quite a while.

There really isn’t anything like Little Goody Two Shoes. That can be a help or a hindrance. Some people will fall off immediately, while others will no doubt be talking about this game for years to come. It is always cool to see a game that really surprise me with its structure in this day and age, and developer AstralShift has delivered a unique experience that does a great job setting itself apart from the pack. These are the kinds of games I love to see coming out of the Square-Enix Collective.

With the downfall of Mimimi Games, I feared that the real-time genre was all but lost. Its 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. 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?

For fans of the original and newcomers alike, Star Fox 64 3D is a great addition to your 3DS library.

With improved visuals, new mechanics, and a more intuitive design- Ace Attorney: Spirit of Justice already has a lot going for it. Factor in a story filled with intrigue that’s as exciting to watch unfold as the best of what the series has to offer thus far and you’re left with an exceptional visual novel and a return to form for the series as a whole.

There are a few things here and there that can become nagging at times, but for all intents and purposes, Gran Turismo 6 is a fantastic racing game that fans of both racing and the series should check out.

GoldenEye 007 is a wonderful re-imagining of a classic game that some have held onto for far too long.

The art style and concept of John Rochard is very interesting, and the story, while a little bland, will keep you going to the end. Give it a shot. There's some fun to be had.

The level design leaves something to be desired, but with so much else going for it, it is easy to overlook. If you enjoy action games, and don't mind seeing pints of blood splashed across the screen, this game is a must have.

The fantastic gameplay, the beautiful graphics, and the amazing soundtrack just to name a few things make this an enjoyable experience. If you are not a fan of difficult games, I’d recommend renting this one first if possible because it is an extremely difficult game at the outset and will require a grind to be successful. But if that doesn’t bother you in the slightest, then come on in; the dojo is all set up.

Shadow of War improves on almost every aspect of the original game. There is so much to do and the systems in place are truly special. The story missions fall flat and the loot boxes are kind of gross, but otherwise this is one spectacular game. Those that enjoyed the original will find even more to love here. I just feel like this game is marred by controversy and a poor release window.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits feels like a blast from the past. We simply don’t get a lot of games like this anymore, when they used to be a dime a dozen. The visual fidelity and outstanding production values round out an excellent package, and I think everyone should check this game out. I am happy to see it finally make its way onto other platforms, even after three years I am sure there are some people who haven’t taken the plunge. Don’t skip this one, it is well worth your time and money.

Berserk Boy is a mix of a lot of my favorite retro games mixed with its own flavor of fun. I really enjoyed the nostalgia it delivers while also being able to stand on its own. Definitely recommend checking this one out if you enjoy anything Mega Man or the more recent Gunvolt Chronicles games. This is one that will entertain from start to finish. It isn’t overly frustrating, yet remaining challenging. The stages beg to be revisited and I had fun the entire time. With so many retro games dropping on a weekly basis, it takes a lot to stand out. Now if they would only put this on more platforms, I would be truly happy.

Overall Catherine: Full Body is a great experience built for both new players and veteran players alike. Not settling for a simple remaster, Atlus really pulled out all the stops at making this worth the money. Even as bad as I was, it was still a fun time. With all the different endings I think I’ll return to the game on an easier difficulty to experience it all, because the writing is so good and the gameplay is challenging but when in a good flow it can be highly addictive. Anyone like me who may have skipped over Catherine’s original release should remedy that with Full Body.

All in all, I am really encouraged by this year’s game. They’ve made some significant improvements on some important legacy issues that have held the game back for way too long. There is a ton to do here and a lot of different ways to experience the core gameplay. Showcase remains a highlight and the expansion of MyRise continues to flesh out the series as a single player experience. I’d like to see GM mode get a significant rework next year to make it feel like a more fully fledged option and continued work on the physics around foreign objects if you are a fan of wrestling games at all, WWE 2K23 is an easy recommend.

MadWorld is way too violent, has way too much cursing, and the gore factor is off the chart, and boy am I glad it is. MadWorld is an amazing game that you have to experience yourself. With a solid story and simplistic and easy to learn controls, the game offers more than just shock value. This is one of the best games I have played or seen for the Wii.