Tyler Treese
If you're a hardcore rally racing fan then DiRT Rally is the best game that Codemasters has made. That said, it doesn't do a great job of helping new players get into the hang of things, which is very disappointing.
Skullgirls 2nd Encore loses some visual luster, but that's about it. Besides the disappointing graphical downgrade, players are getting an identical experience to the console version. Considering it's cross-buy, there's a lot to like here.
Dodge Roll has created an excellent game with Enter The Gungeon. It's extremely difficult, but equally rewarding.
If you and your crew want to play something far more unique than most first-person shooters on the market, then Screencheat is an easy recommendation. Those on their own will have it rough, however, since the online community just simply isn't there for it. It's a shame, since playing against bots can only sustain users for so long. What makes Samurai Punk's game so special is sharing the experience with other players, not the console.
'Stikbold! A Dodgeball Adventure' may not be the cream of the crop when it comes to local multiplayer games, but it's a heck of an alternative. There's enough depth to keep players coming back for more, but not enough content to recommend long play sessions. A completely ridiculous, albeit short, campaign also helps round out an enjoyable package. 'Stikbold' offers up all the fun of dodgeball with the added bonus of not getting smacked in the face with a large rubber ball.
LookAtMyGame has created one of the best surprises of 2016 so far. Chronicles of Teddy: Harmony of Exidus is a gorgeous title that is very rewarding, even if it doesn't make the best first impression.
Active Soccer 2 DX is an over-priced, under-produced disappointment. If you're looking for a quality soccer game on the cheap, then buy last year's FIFA.
Nights of Azure has an impressive story that is brought down by disappointing gameplay. Those looking for a simple action title will be rewarded with a surprisingly mature story, but the combat is too repetitive to really impress.
Long time veterans will have a few minor gripes with TrackMania Turbo, but it's the perfect experience for those new to the series.
If you’re willing to put up with the difficulty, you will find some stuff to really like about McDROID. It has a fantastic art style, and the planet is always interesting to look at.
With Catlateral Damage, Chris Chung has created an adorable game that is sadly lacking any real substance. You'll have fun for the first hour or so, but will get tired of the same old formula rather quickly, and find little reason to return.
Ska Studios have done a fabulous job with Salt and Sanctuary, as the transition to 2D has created a more accessible game while also retaining all of the depth.
Day of the Tentacle Remastered isn't just a simple port, it's also an amazing achievement in its own right. The new visuals are gorgeous, and the gameplay has been updated to be streamlined, yet still stay true to the original. Double Fine have outdone themselves here.
It's not great, but Senran Kagura Estival Versus offers up some low brow fun in multiplayer. Poor level design kills the single player experience, though.
It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but Mutant Mudds Super Challenge is some of the finest platforming you can buy. It's a highly polished package that will test your mettle as a gamer.
It's no surprise that Pokkén Tournament is good, but it is surprising that it feels so unique. It's a refreshing face in the fighting genre, and offers up a ton of fun.
These grappling exchanges typically end up being intense affairs that go down to the wire before someone either escapes or taps out like Mystic Mac.
That's just one of the many things that make The ABC Murders feel unpolished and a bit rough around the edges.
Koei Tecmo isn't reinventing the wheel here, and that's fine. Samurai Warriors 4 Empires is yet another enjoyable entry into the musou genre, and one that brings a few neat twists on strategy. It won't leave you amazed, but you'll have a good time.
This is a shining example of how a re-release should be handled, and Moon Studios has raised the bar by adding meaningful content that improves both the narrative and gameplay.