Jeremy Peeples
Chock-full of replay value, the added content makes this the definitive edition. Challenging, but rarely frustrating, Super Time Force Ultra is a strategic run and gun.
The Last Guardian is Team ICO's magnum opus.
Castle in the Darkness knows what it wants to be and succeeds marvelously. It's a smooth-playing action platformer that meshes a variety of genres together nicely.
Chasm is one of the finest Metroidvania games ever created.
The Deer God takes a somewhat strange concept and turns it into one of the most enjoyably relaxing games on the market. It combines platforming skills with a touch of action and an unbelievable amount of atmosphere.
The Bit.Trip is a must for anyone who owned any of the original games on the Wii, or heard of them and just wants to try them out. Their designs are simplistic in theory, but a riot to play. They challenge you constantly, but feature a gradual learning curve that never gets overwhelming. Every game included in this collection is fun to play in either short bursts or longer stretches. They play like a dream on the DualShock 4 and look better than ever before on the PS4 thanks to a widescreen presentation. They're also some of the best-sounding chiptune-based games out there.
Stardew Valley brings a mix of farming and life simulation to the Switch and the platform is absolutely perfect for it.
Windlands is easily the best platforming experience available on the PlayStation VR, and a must for anyone who wants to see what a Mirror’s Edge-style blend of platforming and parkour is like in that format.
With a sports-like feel dripping from its commentary and team-based play, RIGS is a fantastic first-person shooter that works in either short bursts or for longer play sessions when you get in the zone.
DEXED stands alongside Rez Infinite as must-buy experiences for any PlayStation VR users with a love for on-rails shooters.
Cosmic Star Heroine does for the 16-bit JRPG what Shovel Knight did for 8-bit platformers. It takes everything that worked about them to remind you of why those games are classics, but builds upon that foundation with a modern-day sensibility by eliminating filler.
Life is Strange: Before the Storm – Episode 1: Awake starts the prequel series off strong with a narrative that makes you care about Chloe in an all-new way.
Yakuza Kiwami remakes the original game in a near-perfect way.
A Robot Named Fight combines a blaster-centric Metroidvania with a roguelite and works wonderfully.
Life is Strange: Before the Storm – Episode 2: Brave New World is an excellent entry in the series.
Hell is Empty perfectly pays off what was built up in the first two episodes while also providing a bridge to the original series.
Life is Strange: Before the Storm is a powerful series that blends in touches of the supernatural while telling a grounded narrative.
Yakuza Kiwami 2 is the best remake yet for the series and the absolute best way to enjoy the franchise's second entry.
Shenmue I and II isn't a perfect collection, but it is the best overall way to experience two remarkable games.
Kaze and the Wild Masks is a must-own platformer - especially for anyone craving a new Donkey Kong Country game.