I'm a very happy shmup fan now that Espgaluda II is finally available for console in the west. With challenging action and complex mechanics that are rewarding to learn and master, its core gameplay has everything that genre enthusiasts would want.
Spelunky is considered a classic roguelike for good reason. Its hazard-filled structure will have you constantly learning new tricks as you continue to progress further and further. In fact, it even remains superior to its recent sequel so I highly recommend giving it a go.
Baldo The guardian owls is the sort of game that you'd dig out of a bargain bin but that's not necessarily a bad thing because some of my fondest gaming memories came from such bins. In other words, it may be clunky but you'll still appreciate what it has to offer.
It's rare to come across a puzzler as enjoyable and challenging as Sokobond, especially considering the fact that it's educational albeit in a subtle way. With lots of puzzles to solve, you'll gladly combine elements for hours within its campaign that's full of variety.
If you love trains or puzzle games then playing Cosmic Express is a must with its brilliant collection of stages and adorable presentation. In fact, its variety of puzzles will have you laying tracks for hours while you happily watch the cute little train chug along.
I enjoyed my time with A Good Snowman is Hard to Build despite its brevity and the fact that I got stuck quite regularly. It's bursting with so much charm and lovely aesthetics that you'll roll snowballs with a smile on your face for as long as it lasts.
NIS Classics Volume 1 is bursting with SRPG goodness from a few generations ago. Although these games look dated, they're both still great fun to play with their own unique approaches to gameplay, story, and humour. Thanks for bringing them back, Prinny!
The way that The Medium brings trauma to life in various ways is awe-inspiring. At the same time, it's not all that good of a video game.
Weapon of Choice DX is a blend of old-school action and modern psychedelic presentation that'll have you blasting aliens with a smile on your face. The experience may be quite a short one but you'll have a great time for as long as it lasts.
I had an impressively excellent time with Mickey Storm and the Cursed Mask. As a matter of fact, it handles co-op gameplay so well that I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys playing silly games with their gaming chum.
The unconventional structure of Instant Sports Paradise makes it fun to both cooperate and compete with chums within the same multiplayer session. In fact, I wish more party games would follow a similar structure because it's genuinely quite clever.
Fracked is a promising cover-and-shoot VR FPS for PS4. If it featured a longer campaign and smoothed-out difficulty then I'd consider it a must-have for the platform. For now, I hope to eventually play a sequel that expands on this very epic formula in such a manner.
Not everyone will appreciate the mind-numbing effect that comes with playing Islanders: Console Edition but if you're in the market for a game that'll put you to sleep then I recommend checking it out. Those looking for a challenge won't find one here, though.
If you still haven't played Ghost of Tsushima then this Director's Cut is the perfect excuse to finally experience this masterpiece. With a stunning core experience, super-fun online modes, and a brand new campaign, you're in for one outstanding package.
As far as 3D platformers go, you certainly can't get much more consistently varied than Psychonauts 2 with its trippy environments and nifty psychic abilities. Throw in an excellent cast of characters and memorable story and you're left with one heck of an adventure.
Star Hunter DX is an excellent shoot 'em up at its core with a motivating premise and thoroughly challenging gameplay. The fact that it's lacking in the content department makes me hope that a more fleshed-out sequel will arrive down the road.
If you're looking for a chill albeit tricky puzzler with an excellent sense of humour then I highly recommend playing A Monster's Expedition. Its blend of exploration and clever puzzles makes for one stand-out tree-toppling experience.
Dodgeball Academia's campaign that's full of distinct characters and rewarding RPG elements is quite a treat to progress through. With that in mind, I thought the core dodgeball gameplay was too needlessly limiting to provide consistently engaging gameplay.
It's not the best multiplayer 3D platformer that has you play as a cardboard box out there but Pile Up! Box by Box is still a solid game for friends who want to cooperate while enjoying an adorable and laidback puzzle-filled adventure together.
It may not feature every classic game in the series but Space Invaders Invincible Collection is still bursting with retro fun. Whether you're enjoying the original, trying out the modern titles, or competing with a friend in Space Invaders DX; you're bound to have a blast.