A.J. Maciejewski
UNSIGHTED does a lot of things and it does them extremely well. So, if you enjoy the classic Zelda formula, Metroidvania exploration, twin-stick shooting, and reaction-based combat then you'll love your time with this gem of an indie.
Steel Assault is an incredible retro-inspired game but unfortunately, its credits will roll once you really start vibing with its action-packed campaign. It's a prime example of how sometimes; great gameplay alone isn't quite enough.
Hot Wheels Unleashed is an okay racing game at best. If you want a much more enjoyable arcade-style racer with your favourite childhood toys then check out Beach Buggy Racing 2: Island Adventure which has its very own Hot Wheels Booster Pack DLC.
If you enjoy fast-paced 2D action games where you try to complete levels as quickly as possible then you'll absolutely love everything that Aeon Drive has to offer. In fact, as it stands, it's one of the best indie games that I've played in a very long time.
Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania is essentially a good-looking remake of Super Monkey Ball Deluxe with some nifty extras which is cool because that's an excellent game to bring back. So, if you're itching to master tricky levels then this package is sure to scratch.
Centipede: Recharged does a wonderful job of bringing Atari's classic static shooter to the modern age. With super-fun co-op play and oodles of challenges to master, you'll gladly pick it up whenever you want a quick fix of arcade action.
G-Darius is a top-of-the-line shoot 'em up and this HD iteration is a fairly nifty updated version of the classic albeit with minimal additions. That being said, when a game is this good, bells and whistles don't really add up to much.
If you enjoy Metroidvania games even a little bit then picking up Castlevania Advance Collection should be a no-brainer. The included titles have held up beautifully and they're each jam-packed with monster-slaying good times. Here's hoping for Castlevania DS Collection!
Despite its simplicity, I enjoyed my time with Crisis Wing as it brought me back to the 16-bit days when I'd rent a shmup from the video store and even if it wasn't particularly special, I still had fun trying to beat my own high scores.
After playing a couple of great AAA 3D platformers earlier this year, I'm absolutely blown away that I enjoyed Kena: Bridge of Spirits even more. With thoroughly challenging fast-paced combat, rewarding puzzles, and a breathtaking world; it's one phenomenal game.
Even with its faults, there's simply no denying just how special of a game Lost in Random is. From its awe-inspiring world to its ingenious gameplay, there's a lot to love in this incredible and memorable albeit often-frustrating adventure.
Is Aragami 2 rough around the edges? You bet. Does it lack challenge? Unfortunately. But, that doesn't mean that it isn't a heck of a lot of fun. In fact, its arcade-style approach to stealth gameplay had me hooked and I'm looking forward to more sneaky action.
After enjoying it for hours, Bonfire Peaks is easily one my favourite practical puzzle games of all time. From its distinctly presented world to its unconventional premise and its wealth of tricky puzzles to its variety of mechanics; it has everything you'd want from the genre.
Playing Horizon Zero Dawn on PlayStation 5 is such an excellent experience that it made me excited for the upcoming Forbidden West and keep in mind; I rarely get excited for upcoming games. If you still haven't played it yet, I wholeheartedly recommend it.
Flynn: Son of Crimson is one of the best 2D action platformers out there so if you love the genre as much as I do then I highly recommend giving it a go. From its gorgeous presentation to its tight controls and rewarding upgrades, it's one satisfying adventure.
SkateBIRD is a silly little indie game that does quite an impressive job of adapting familiar skateboarding gameplay to a bird-sized world. Completing its missions and finding its collectibles may be rewarding but you'd wish there was much more to it than that.
Sonic Colors: Ultimate does a decent job of bringing back a good game for modern audiences. Although I have fond memories of the original, this remake made me realise that my memory can't always be trusted when it comes to how well certain games will hold up.
Cruis'n Blast presents an arcade racing formula that's exciting at first but quickly wears thin due to its lack of challenge or need for skill. That being said, it can still be enjoyable for a few rounds of old-school racing entertainment with friends.
WarioWare: Get It Together is as random and frantic as you would expect a character-driven entry in the long-running series to be. However, you may not expect just how fun it is to play with a friend and that's where its gameplay shines brightest.
I was so impressed with my time playing Traffic Jams that it quickly became one of my favourite PlayStation VR games. The spot-on humour and frantic gameplay combine beautifully into one fun VR experience and I wholeheartedly recommend it to any PSVR owner.