This game just clicked with me and felt like the perfect marriage of stuff like Elder Scrolls and Mass Effect. Great story, great characters, and a world that is fun to explore with combat that never got old. I had a great time in the Living Lands, and I cannot wait to go back to a previous save and explore some more.

Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator isn’t a bad game, it’s just a janky one. I had a good time diagnosing patients and honestly the drives to-and-from became a source of unintended comedy. I mean why would the pedestrians cross the street when an ambulance is coming down with sirens blazing going 80 MPH; I don’t really expect an answer, but I asked myself this question a lot while playing. I really wish the game looked better, even on my Series X things like characters hair were translucent and it was really off-putting at times. If you don’t mind some jank in your games and/or were curious what paramedics go through; then this game might tickle your fancy.

While Trails Through Daybreak II’s story doesn’t reach the heights of the previous entries, the expanded combat, re-introduction of side activities and a fun playground to test the might of the best teams I could muster made for a very enjoyable time all the same.

As I said in the beginning, I really love this game, while I never got to play the original version; Freedom Wars Remastered is a fantastic game. Blending the best of Monster Hunter and adding some kick-ass movements and abilities with the Thorn system, I really want Bandai to bring this franchise back. I am so curious what a new entry into this series built from the ground up with the new tech would look like. With any luck this was just a test to gauge public interest; and if so, I am extremely interested in the future of this franchise.

Gimmick! 2 is a fantastic follow-up to a classic video game a lot of people likely have never had the pleasure of playing. I love that it has returned and is now available for just about anyone to experience. Yes, it is hard, but that is what makes it special. The game never punishes its players and instead encourages trying again with excellent checkpoints. I do wish the original was included in this package just so I could revisit it, but otherwise this is a fantastic sequel to one of the most unique platformers of all time.

Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap is not as fun as Orcs Must Die 3 but there is still some enjoyment here. Coming up with creative trap lanes and watching the orcs run helplessly into them is always a joy. And the fact that the game is on Xbox Game Pass lowers the barrier of entry to test it out; at least if you have Game Pass. But with brutal difficulty, playable War Mages whose albitites just feel lackluster and no real narrative to speak of this entry feels more like two steps back in the series rather than one step forward.

Turbo Overkill is definitely one of ‘those’ games, but it is a very well done one of those. I had a lot of fun mowing my way through it, and I cannot stress enough how much fun the chainsaw leg is. It is disappointing that nothing quite hits like that one mechanic, considering this game is packed with tons of weapons and upgrades that I barely ever touched. Still, it was a fun romp that reminds me of the classic shooters I grew up loving.

This game is a hot mess in space. I don’t even know what is redeeming about it, I guess that its Star Trek but even that isnt enough; and I am a HUGE Trekkie.

Sniping fascists and Nazi’s have never felt or looked better. Gameplay is tight, graphics are great, and there are some fun game modes. Truly, my biggest issue with the game is it just feels like it should be an expansion to Sniper Elite 5. Resistance isn’t though, it’s a full-priced game replete with season pass and the obligatory ‘Kill Hitler’ mission. I hope the next game in this legendary series does more to differentiate itself from this one with more than adding a new mode or weapon. Still, like I said at the outset; sniping Nazis is fun, and when it comes to Sniper Elite: Resistance, well, “if it ain’t broke.” as they say.

If you are remotely a fan of Dragon Age, Monster Hunter, Zelda, the Colossus games then I think you too will find some fun in Eternal Strands.

In conclusion, Tales of Graces f is a commendable remaster of a title that may not have been widely experienced by many players. It successfully retains the classic Tales combat mechanics, memorable music, and endearing characters that fans cherish. With its availability on nearly every platform, there is truly no reason for RPG enthusiasts to miss out on this gem. As Bandai Namco continues to breathe new life into the Tales series, the only lingering question remains: which beloved title will they choose to remaster next?

Given a choice, I’m sure I would pick a different game from NISA’s illustrious PS2 JRPG lineup that I would rather have a sequel of, but all things said, Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is a great sequel that improves on the original in almost every way, providing a fun, tactically satisfying RPG that I’m very glad made a return.

Tri Breaker isn’t a bad game at all, in fact I found myself having some fun with it; despite me not being a fan of the vibe. There are some nice things along the way like various power-ups, and even boss fights which take away from the mundanity of block-breaking. Levels are all pretty varied which is nice, but that story is… well I mean its there. If you are a fan of the franchise, then I am sure you are invested and this will no doubt be a high point for you; but for me, the guy who just came in… this ain’t it story-wise. But if you are looking for a retro style block breaking game, this one might tickle your fancy, as it is pretty fun to play.

Snow Bros. Wonderland is a solid puzzle game that stays true to the original, while also bringing enough new tricks to make it feel fresh. Not having nostalgia for the series, I still had a great time. The game does enough to keep it interesting. Not sure why it was a classic, I still think Bubble Bobble is the better game, but I can now appreciate what people loved about the original. Definitely worth checking out if you enjoy puzzle games at all.

I just want to play a great pirate game; I feel like nothing has been able to top the experience of Ubisoft’s 2013 Assassins Creed: Black Flag. Even their own Skull and Bones pales in comparison. Flint: Treasure of Oblivion has an interesting concept by exploring Captain Flint from the Treasure Island novel. But the execution here makes it hard to recommend; ranging from minor issues and frame drops to confusing game elements and a lot of pointless wandering around the maps make this one feel like it should have just remained lost at sea.

Taito Milestones 3 has some of the best games in these collections to date, but I would really love it if they spent some time adding a sort of museum. I would love to learn more about these obscure arcade titles. Still, I have been on board with these since the first game. I do wish they would release them on more platforms and bulk up the extras, but they are hard not to recommend purely for nostalgic purposes.

Rita’s Rewind knows who its audience is and caters to it perfectly. If you have nostalgia for the show, this is a no-brainer. Even for someone like me who is aware of the series, but didn’t exactly have fond memories of it, I get what they are putting down. Combat can be stiff at times, but the break ups between levels really carries the experience.

There just isn’t enough here in Songs of Silence for me. If you are the type of player who wants to set up the pins and then watch the guy try and knock ‘em down; then this is for you. But I prefer being the one who is actually playing, not just setting things in motion. The very best things about Songs of Silence have nothing to do with its gameplay. This game has some of the best art direction that I have seen, with beautifully vibrant colored graphics and some stellar cutscenes; not to mention the excellent voice-acting and soundtrack. All of which just makes me sad that I didn’t like this more, If I was able to actually have more control over battles and their outcomes the inner RTS fan in me would love this game.

Victory Heat Rally transports me back to a time when whimsical games resonated deeply with me, reminding me of the joy and excitement that racing games can bring. It is a straightforward arcade racer that embraces its eccentricity and enjoyment, making it accessible to a wide range of players. Many developers strive to capture this genre, yet few truly comprehend what makes it enjoyable. It does not need to be laden with content or challenges; at times, I simply wish to disengage and accelerate, enjoying the thrill of the race without the pressure of complex mechanics. Victory Heat Rally accomplishes this on multiple levels, and for those who appreciate arcade racing games, I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a try. It stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of racing games that prioritize fun and creativity over excessive complexity.

Digital Eclipse continues to do the Lord’s work with these Gold Master collections. Being able to learn the stories behind them from the people that made them is the best form of preservation. I want them to do all the games, which is unfathomable, but I will be there for each entry into this series and every developer should be banging down their door to get one made for their game. Highly recommended.

A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead is a mixed bag, while I enjoyed Alex’s story the journey to get to its end really felt endless at times. As I said, because players are forced to move through this world at a snail’s pace and avoid making sounds at all costs it really slows down the gameplay and thus the experience. There were points where just getting down a hallway felt like an eternity; I think this is an experience that just works better as a movie or TV show. Fans of the film may find this game to be much better than I did since there is an investment already in the world, but as a newbie the game did make me want to watch the films; so, I guess that’s something.

The Thaumaturge is a dark game that deals with some of the darkest depths of human nature. There is uncomfortable language surrounding disabled and homosexual characters, depictions of mental illness and more but these are all time-appropriate; no matter how harsh it may seem to view through the lens of 2024. In the hands of the developers at Fool’s Theory these themes are treated in a way to not glorify the past but it helps to shed the light on the negative stigmas from the past and show how they even still exist in today’s world. While I will admit, I almost checked out early on The Thaumaturge due to its somewhat boring gameplay loop, I am glad I didn’t because the story that it told made up for the moments of boredom.

I loved this game when it was released back in the day, and I still love it today. I do wish it stuck to its initial concept throughout the entire experience, but what is here is still tense and well executed here. Pair that with the excellent updates that Nightdive is known for, and this is a game I can wholeheartedly recommend. I really appreciate the mantra of Nightdive as they continue to remaster classics from a different time, and not just the well-known ones. The Thing is an encapsulation of gaming during the PS2 era, and I am all here for it.

Despite the decidedly rough first impression of sea exploration and combat, Ys X was a title I found myself enjoying more and more the further I got into it. The fun, fast paced combat, complimented by the wonderful chemistry between the two leads and an intriguing story that culminates in a final boss that is my favorite of the entire franchise thus far, Ys X: Nordics is easily one of the best entries in the long running series and an easy recommendation to anyone that enjoys ARPGs.

The Legacy of Kain series deserves to come back, and this collection is a nice first step. These games are dated, but still excellent. The price tag is decent at $30, but I do wish it had a little more meat to it. Still, I can highly recommend these games. Just be prepared to deal with the quirkiness of the beginning of 3D gaming. It will take some time, but the investment is worth it.

Neva is quite the masterpiece of a video game. With its breathtaking art direction, engaging gameplay and moving narrative it is a game that will resonate with players on a personal level much like this years Tales of Kenzara: Zau. I have always heard great things about Nomada Studio’s Gris but I never game it a shot. Based on how good Neva is, I really feel like I am missing out and plan to correct that mistake in the very near future.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is the best iteration of the character and easily the best thing Xbox has put out in years. MachineGames understood the assignment and nailed every aspect of the character while making it feel like a new entry in the movie/adventure series.

Ravenswatch is a lot of fun to play, I unlocked all of the playable characters and played with each and had a good time with all of them. The randomly generated nature of each level is nice but the truth of the matter is this game is very short. And while I recommend that players play multiplayer, the game does offer the option to play single-player but it’s hard as balls. I am sure some of you who love these brutal difficulty games will enjoy, but for those of us who have yet to ascend that difficulty mountain, dis tew much. All that being said though, I like Ravenswatch quite a bit. While my time with it is short, it was still a pretty enjoyable experience.