At the end of the day though, this is just blackjack. It may be the most aesthetically pleasing version of blackjack, but that’s it. I would recommend skipping the console versions and trying out the mobile versions instead.

As before No Man’s Sky is a game that I enjoyed the most when I was moving under my own steam, plodding along as a leisurely place. The NEXT update brings a lot of great new features to the game and as a result it now feels more complete than it ever has. It is also the perfect time to release the game on Xbox to a new audience that may not have yet had the chance to play it. Sure, there is still a lot of fine tuning that needs to happen and I may still have the odd bone to pick, but this update proves that Hello Games are 100% committed to making No Man’s Sky the best game they possibly can.

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.

I would say if you’re looking for a trial and error game with high difficulty, but rewarding game play, go for Trials over Guts and Glory. You’ll get a few laughs seeing how characters die, but in the end, it becomes frustrating far too quickly.

Red Faction: Guerrilla Re-Mars-tered brings back the best destruction in gaming. It also opens the door for another game in the series. Let’s hope Volition remembers what made this game so great and doesn’t go the way of its actual sequel Armageddon. That featured more linear progression and not nearly as much destruction. This was a great step into the past and thankfully the things that made it great still hold up today.

Candle: The Power of the Flame is a beautiful game with a charming and emotionally resonant story. That may not be enough for players who don’t want to spend a good deal of time on challenging puzzles and helplessly wandering the play area for a long time, searching every nook and cranny. The overall design is good most of the time, but at times when it doesn’t translate to the player, it quickly crosses into frustration.

At the end of the day The Long Reach is worth the short time it takes to play, I’m just not sure at full price. Had the ending really stuck the landing on everything the gameplay was delivering I’d say it’s a must, but unfortunately the story is just alright. On sale I think any adventure fan will find enjoyment in The Long Reach.

Tempest 4000 is another Tempest game. If you are OK with that and perhaps need an excuse to retire the Vita version, then this package will be worth it. Otherwise this game feels like a relic that didn’t really need the 4K upgrade.

Shining Resonance Refrain is a good, albeit predictable JRPG. There are a few neat mechanics stored within its walls, but for the most part it simply exists. While PS4 (and even Switch owners) are used to these types of games though, Xbox One owners simply are not. So this is a solid entry for that console. It is also cool that Sega is bringing a game that was lost in time to the US back from the dead. I enjoyed my time with this game, warts and all, and I think anyone who is a fan of the genre will too.

There really isn’t much to say about the MMX Legacy Collection. Given my fondness for the series, I’m always happy to have more people discover the pure platforming bliss that most of the series offers and while there certainly is value in keeping things faithful to the original, I would have much preferred a collection of true remasters as it would have gone a long way to justify the asking price.

Mothergunship is for those who don’t mind punishing themselves and who like to break through walls to make progress. Challenging and with a unique gun crafting mechanic, the game manages to break the mold slightly. But with some performance issues and the uninspired settings I feel that the game may be better served with a price drop.

While it’s not Left 4 Dead, it is still a decent co-op shooter that really tries its best to be one. While there are some issues with AI and glitches, I still had a decent time with Earthfall. Co-op really makes up for a lot of the issues, and for a relatively cheap price, you can more than likely get a few friends to pick it up and have some fun co-op action for a few hours.

At times The Nameless Chronicles plays with perspective and camera angles to really great effect. This is something Nier did extremely well, and I have to say there are moments in The Nameless Chronicles I think emulates that aesthetic very well. Like the previous Anima title, I think this will go under most people’s radar which is a shame.

Without a doubt this is a fantastic playing and looking game. There are a few issues with the rogue-like elements and the boss fights can be a bit lacking, but that doesn’t stop 20XX from being a well made action platformer, and one worthy of comparing it to the legendary Mega Man series. Players looking for a new platformer to sink into will find a great time here, and any Mega Man fan should not hesitate to pick this one up. There’s a lot to love here and the things that it does right more than make up for its shortcomings.

Even the cinematics have been redone in full 4K glory. This is one great-looking game, and deserves to be showcased. Especially being a genre that has had its ups and downs over the years. With how easy it is to slap some new packaging and call a game a remaster is these days, it is refreshing to see one treated with such care.

In the end, Wreckfest is a game that you will tend to make your own fun in. The career mode can get a little old after a while, but the multiplayer makes it even more fun throwing other players into the already impressively crazy mix. Bugbear knows what their players want out of a game from them, and they offer it up in a really fun, chaotic package that any arcade racer can enjoy.

Mario Tennis Aces is a fine addition to the series and a far cry from the bare-bones offering from the Wii U. The single player mode offers up plenty for solo players while the online and local play will keep me coming back.

Overall Super Bomberman R is a great take on the classic formula. I enjoyed what it delivered and the extra characters add that nostalgia meter rise for me. I just wish Konami was bringing them to more franchises outside of this one. Still, this game serves its purpose and it is nice to finally see it on other consoles outside of the Switch.

YAZDHD isn’t an expensive game, so I am not too fussed about the value prospect. It may not look pretty, but it handles well and if it wasn’t for the online bugs and the lack of player base, I would probably recommend this more. But if you regularly have friends over, then this wouldn’t be the worst way to spend some time.

There is a ton to see and do in Nier: Automata. Talking about much of it does it a disservice to the player. Don’t think about it. The game is finally on Xbox One. The more platforms the merrier. Perhaps one day Switch owners will get to experience it as well. This is a once-in-a-generation type experience. Go buy this game. Play it multiple times. It is worth every second of investment and I enjoyed pounding through all the endings for a second time. Somehow it was even better.

With beautiful graphics, a charming and emotive set of main characters, an amazing soundtrack, and wonderful gameplay Unravel Two is one of my favorite games to come out so far in 2018. I think the audience that can enjoy this is almost anyone because there is a fantastic main game for players but those who are not challenged as much as they want to be can find more difficult, optional puzzles. Yarny is still adorable too. This game just radiates joy, and in comparison to similar games like INSIDE, is just made for everyone.

Tennis World Tour is a mess of a game. The AI is a joke that makes it too easy to beat, the modes are lacking, there are glitches galore, and I honestly think the support for this game is not happening, which means that online multiplayer may very well never come. If you’re looking for a Tennis game to sink time into, I would say stick to something else. Anything else, really. This one is not worth your time or your money.

Although this game is worthy of a good score, I cannot recommend this version to anyone who owns a PC or other console, as having it playable on the go is not worth the premium it costs to do so. However, if the Switch is the only console you own and you have been waiting for the port to arrive, then go ahead and grab it. It’s one helluva great game and, quite honestly, a miracle of coding.

Is The Crew 2 an improvement on the original? Without a doubt, yes. Should Forza Horizon be worried? Nope. The improvements made to this sequel and its unique take on racing are let down by lack of improvements where it counts, and some design choices that left me scratching my head. Thankfully, Ubisoft have really set their stall out when it comes to supporting their games over long periods of time, so there may still be some hope. If you are looking for something to tide you over while you wait for Forza Horizon 4, sure you do worse than pick this game up. But I would recommend waiting on a price cut first.

When Evolution works, it works beautifully. It is precisely the game I wanted it to be. I wish the free mode was unlocked from the start, but it doesn’t take much to get it open. Future updates and some promised free DLC means I will be digging into this game for months to come. Couple that with the ridiculous prices online for the original Operation Genesis and I will stick with this updated Jurassic Park builder.

Dark Souls Remastered is exactly what the name implies and fans will adore it. I still suck royally at these games. I still want an easy mode so I can manage to get through them without frustration, but the game that spawned a genre is still finely crafted. The jump in framerate and added DLC make this the package to own. For new and old players this is the version to own.

Riddled Corpses’ solid gameplay and faithful retro feel mostly make up for a limited and sometimes disappointing progression system. It’s likely to please those who don’t mind grinding as well as those who enjoy a challenge – superficial and linear as it may be.

Ys VIII is a marvelous game that truly deserves more attention. With my limited exposure to the series I am impressed each time I dive in. Those looking for a classic JRPG that hits all the right notes, you will be hard-pressed to find a better experience, especially on the Switch. I am glad this series is getting more exposure, and would love to see it eventually make its way onto every platform. Don’t be afraid of the number, this is a great game to dive head first into.