Though there are a good number of shooters on the PC, you should definitely pick up Stardust Galaxy Warriors if you're a genre fan.
Shadow Complex Remastered remains a fun title. The gameplay remains faithful to the Metroidvania formula, warts and all, while the addition of partial 3-D fighting makes it feel fresh compared to its contemporaries. It comes in at a good length and has some nice time trial challenges to give it more legs once the various campaign endings have been exhausted. It could've used some more improvements in the presentation section, but genre fans will enjoy this title while holding out hope that someday, Chair will finally develop a sequel.
Android Assault Cactus is a brilliant addition to the PS4 library. Whether you're playing solo or with friends, the action is solid, and the different variations to the androids make experimentation fun. There are a good number of modes, and the various options can give the game some legs. The presentation of the visuals and audio is top-notch, and that's made more impressive since this title was developed by three people. Android Assault Cactus is something that should be experienced by anyone who loves action in an almost pure form.
EA Sports UFC 2 is a perfect example of how to capitalize on a mostly solid start. Even though it could still use additional improvements, the fighting system remains solid, and the tweaks make it more accessible to those who aren't well versed in fighting games. The presentation has been improved to make it even more impressive on all fronts, but the amount of modes give the game some longevity beyond online play. It isn't perfect, but it certainly is one of the better representations of an MMA game, so fighting fans of all types should check it out.
As a game, Quantum Break is solid. There's a good balance between the shooting and exploration sections, and while some people may dislike the simplicity of the core shooting, the time-related powers augment it enough to make it fun. As a TV show, it does a good job of staying interesting without wearing out its welcome. As a whole, the story nicely melds together both pieces, and the different avenues the tale takes gives you a reason to replay it. Quantum Break is another excellent game from Remedy, and it belongs on the shelves of all adventure game fans.
Zamarian gets some kudos for trying to use the tube format since it's still a rarity in the genre. Other than that, it doesn't do anything all that well. The controls are too squirrely to make you feel like you have any mastery over them, and the game doesn't break away from its mobile roots to embrace the advantages of the more versatile platform. The shooting feels uninspired until you reach the boss fights, which can be more of a confusing mess than something enjoyable. With an all-around mediocre presentation, Zamarian's only real saving grace is the $4.99 price tag. Even then, it's difficult to recommend this title unless you're desperate for a slightly different kind of shooter.
In the end, E.T. Armies is nothing really special. The gunplay is fine so long as you're content with using a limited amount of weaponry against some brainless AI. The story is passable if you're OK with a presentation that's not exactly up to snuff. Without a real multiplayer community to extend the life of the game, E.T. Armies is overly dependent on the campaign maintaining players' interest in the title. It's a good effort from the studio, but it's not the best choice if you're jonesing for some FPS fun.
In the end, Fortified is a decent tower defense game. The classes add some variety, and the shooting is fine, but the tower defense portion could use more work. It plays well with others, but there isn't much balance available for the solo player, especially since XP progression can become a grind. Coupled with an average presentation, it's decent fun with buddies but not something worth pursuing if you're looking to play solo.
In the end, Dance Magic lacks the sort of magic that makes rhythm games so mesmerizing. The mechanics for the battle system are fine on paper but boring in execution, as the free nature of attack execution means little variation in how battles play out. The additional Freestyle section is fine if you can get over the counterintuitive changes, and the meager song selection isn't helped by an economic model that encourages too much grinding for little payoff. Considering the lack of rhythm games on the PC, Dance Magic might seem like an appealing purchase, but that's only the case if you're currently ignoring games on other platforms.
Arslan: The Warriors of Legend is a crowd-pleaser of a game. Although it has a more open-ended conclusion since it follows the series so closely, the more cohesive story and seamless transition between gameplay and cut scenes make the title feel more substantial. The new mechanics make this a deeper game when compared to its forebearers, and while some legacy issues still exist, they aren't enough to drain the fun from the game. This is a game worth checking out for lapsed and current Musou fans as well as those who want to see what happens when you add a good story to hack-and-slash game mechanics.
As it stands now, Tom Clancy's The Division lives up to the hype it's generated over the years. For a game of this nature, it's too early to say whether it is definitively good or bad, but for now, it's off to a very good start.
Though it can feel very familiar at first, Sparkle 2 is different enough to be fun. The power-ups are different from what similar games have offered, but the launcher's upgrade system provides some depth. There are plenty of modes included, and each one is lengthy enough to keep players engaged for quite some time. Even if you already have the Zuma games, Sparkle 2 is worth getting for match-three puzzle game fans.
The Flame in the Flood delivers a brilliant twist on the survival genre. The inability to linger in one place makes the game feel like a proper adventure with some additional survival trappings. The randomization gives it a roguelike feel, and the streamlining of elements makes it feel fair even when almost everything is working against you. Coupled with a beautiful presentation throughout, it's both a high-water mark in the genre and a title that's worth trying out. Unless you absolutely hate the survival game genre, be sure to check out The Flame in the Flood.
Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel isn't going to be an instant classic for gamers. It doesn't provide anything new for fighting veterans, and it doesn't have characters that will immediately draw in players. It does provide a good fighting experience with an assortment of modes that provide familiarity – but nothing new. While it may not be the first choice for fighting fans, it remains a good choice for those willing to explore more than just the big names in the genre.
Colorful and cruel, Lovely Planet isn't a game for everyone. Those who hate constant failure will despise this title, and those looking for a more solid narrative or a better graphical showcase will also steer clear of it. On the other hand, the challenge is great enough that those with masochistic streaks will get loads of enjoyment from the game, and the whimsical presentation does enough to buffer any frustrations one may experience after failing to destroy a flying apple for the umpteenth time. As long as you favor quirky shooters, you'll take a liking to Lovely Planet.
Gemini: Heroes Reborn may be flawed, but it is fun while it lasts. The powers don't get old, and although there isn't much variety in terms of what you can do, they remain enjoyable due to the game's short length. Its brevity also makes the number of puzzles and the story more palatable. It could use some tune-ups in the presentation department, but it isn't bad for a game that's meant to be completed in an afternoon. Fans of the series will likely dig this, as will anyone who's looking for a brief first-person adventure.
If you can ignore the nonsensical story and execution, Shooting Stars is a decent arcade shooter. It isn't necessarily bullet hell, but it remains challenging, and the randomized power-ups and bosses make up for an otherwise repetitive level of difficulty. Despite the game's short length, the various combinations give it some legs since no two playthroughs are thoroughly the same unless you're gunning for the daily challenge. For arcade shooting fans who want something traditional but ultimately casual and don't mind an off-the-wall paint job, Shooting Stars is worth checking out as long as you don't expect too much.
Gravity Rush Remastered is a very solid adventure game whose charm really comes from movement. It may take some getting used to before it becomes effortless, but taming your personal gravity field is one of the better experiences in a video game. While the title could use more variety as far as missions go, they still make good use of your powers, and the story that goes along with it is told well enough that you're motivated to see where it goes next. It does a good job of whetting people's appetites for the upcoming sequel, and those who want to experience something distinctive will have a good time with this title if they missed it the first time around.
Your opinion on Street Fighter V is going to be completely dependent on what you're looking for. If you're into local competition, this game does a great job of upholding what makes the series great while introducing new mechanics and making a few tweaks to make it more inviting for new players. If you're into getting your opposition online, then you'll still be fine even though you'll experience a delay when finding a match every now and then. A few expected things, like a rematch option, aren't available. If you're a fan of single-player modes, then you're pretty much out of luck. With control options on the PC being rather limited, the game is only good for those who care about competition. For everyone else looking for something closer to what the older games provided, give it a month to see if things improve.
If you consider the original title to be a proof of concept, then Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 is the true realization of the game. The fun of the original title is still here but has been amplified with the addition of new maps and classes. The expansion of the split-screen local multiplayer is very much needed, but the new single-player modes round out the package. This is especially true of Backyard Battleground, which proves to be an enjoyable time-waster, especially since it can also be played online. Though there are still some heavy hitters in the multiplayer space this year, don't be surprised if GW2 has the most staying power.