A.J. Maciejewski
It may be simple and laidback but there's no denying just how magical QV is with its satisfying puzzles and adorable game world.
Although YesterMorrow isn't all that challenging or novel, it still does 2D platforming well enough to create a mostly satisfying journey.
Mad Rat Dead blends 2D platforming and rhythm elements to create a challenging and unique formula that'll definitely keep you hooked.
If you enjoy classic single-screen arcade games and want to play one with a few friends then you'll dig Umihara Kawase BaZooKa!
Whether you're new to Crimzon Clover or not, if you're a shmup fan then you'll love everything that World EXplosion has to offer.
Even though Disc Room is a fun game, its design suffers from difficulty that ultimately relies on randomness more than anything else.
It may be inspired by a top-notch niche PS1 puzzler but Cube Raiders doesn't quite hit the mark with its awkward controls and rules.
I wish that Pacer tried to forge its own identity instead of being another WipEout clone because it's simply not as good of a game.
If you're a Bridge Constructor fan like I am then you'll likely find a lot to love about this quirky The Walking Dead spin-off and its clever gameplay wrinkles. It may not be the smoothest experience in the franchise but it's certainly the most fascinating.
Söldner-X 2: Final Prototype is one of the best shoot 'em ups ever made and this Definitive Edition is an excellent incarnation of it that every genre fan needs to add to their gaming library. I sincerely hope to play Söldner-X 3: The Last Mission one of these days.
Bubble Bobble 4 Friends: The Baron Is Back! is a fantastic revival of a classic arcade game that has stood the test of time beautifully. If you're a fan of the series then this newly improved modern interpretation will be sure to delight.
Crystal Ortha is a simple and highly enjoyable old-school RPG with impressively lovely 2D visuals and fantastic music. It might be a bit too simple for dedicated genre fans but there's still a fun and epic journey awaiting anyone willing to give it a go.
As one of the better Musou spin-off games out there, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is a welcome treat for Breath of the Wild fans. Its gameplay remains expectedly repetitive but there's still a ton of fun to be had with its variety of combat abilities.
PAW Patrol Mighty Pups Save Adventure Bay presents an adorable adventure that's full of variety and silly mini-games. If you don't mind that it's short and would like something to entertain the kids, this will certainly do the trick.
Its stylish visuals and slick gameplay make The Pathless stand out as a truly epic experience. If the concept of whipping around massive intricate environments at ridiculous speeds while solving puzzles and taking down bosses appeals to you then definitely check it out.
In Bugsnax, the bugs are snacks and that's quite cool. Beyond that, its relaxing open-world objective-based gameplay is solid for winding down with after a long day but it doesn't really have much else going for it.
Planet Coaster: Console Edition is the kind of game that's great fun at its core but being able to get the most out of it will require a lot of patience. So, it's worth playing if you enjoy fine-tuning every intricacy of a park and don't mind getting used to its controls.
Demon's Souls is an excellent game whether you're new to the franchise, have only played the Dark Souls games, or are a fan of the original. However, if you fit in the latter group like I do then you may be disappointed by its less visceral yet admittedly gorgeous world.
Sackboy: A Big Adventure accomplishes what few modern games do by simply offering an unabashedly lighthearted world that's bursting with joy, fun, and plenty of laughs. It's an absolute must-have for any gamer who enjoys co-op experiences.
Overcooked! All You Can Eat is the ultimate way to enjoy 2 of the best co-op games ever made so if you're looking for hours of entertainment for you and your friends and family, this makes for quite a hearty meal.