All in all, Sonic 2 is still a great game this time wrapped in a very nice package. The new modes make the game more accessible than ever, while still retaining the core Sonic experience. While there are some nice details, like being able to switch between versions of the game and the Sonic & Knuckles lock-on cart appearing when selecting the echidna's mode, the lack of widescreen support is very strange.
Yakuza 3, 4, and 5 have both the best and worst the series has to offer, which is saying something because those highs are so high and the lows really aren't that bad. All three games run exceptionally well, and 4 and 5 look like they belong on PS4 alongside Yakuza 0. 3 is a bit rough around the edges, but it's still a worthwhile entry in the series cannon.
While Devil May Cry 3 is starting to show its age, it still holds its title as one of the best character action games ever made. The new additions add a refreshing twist on this classic game, while still retaining its difficulty and depth. And who knows, after so many re-releases and playthroughs, maybe people will notice how meaningful and well told the story is.
As the west's first peek into the Granblue universe's gaming side, Granblue Fantasy Versus is a fighter that can stand alongside its peers in terms of depth, but in addition offers a simplistic control scheme that even those less familiar to the genre can get to grips with quickly and easily. RPG mode is a unique way to to learn the basics of fighting, even if this and other modes could have been a bit more fleshed out.
Afterparty unfortunately doesn't come close to the standard its predecessor set. While it has great ideas and actors, the rest of the game collapses under the weight of its own ambitions.
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX is a delightful update to a classic, and just the kick in the pants the series needed. It's a return to what made the spinoff so beloved in the first place, from the emotional story to the difficult resource management and boss fights. With a gorgeous watercolor art style, the world of Pokémon has never looked better.
Dandara is an excellent game and I can't believe I haven't heard people talking about it. Its unique movement is accompanied by an equally unique world, soundtrack, and symbolic story that will fascinate lore nerds. While it's controls may not support the precision combat asks of you, the Salt is definitely a world worth saving.
Those expecting the quality and polish of its predecessor will be disappointed with Exit the Gungeon. It's too visually clustered and the new mechanics can be more frustrating than fun. Still, for a short burst of rogue-like goodness, you could do worse.
Bless Unleashed, when it's not completely broken, is a boring, unfun disaster. Everything about the game has too many issues to even recommend at the very low price of free.
Gigantosaurus The Game, while above average for a licensed game, is a thoroughly average platformer. While it is glitchy in some places, it will probably keep kids young enough to enjoy the show entertained for a good while and could serve as a gateway into the genre.
In Other Waters' best quality is just that: it makes you feel like you're in other waters. It's a well written exploration game that, while short, provides an interesting story. If this is the form the classic text adventure returns in, In Other Waters leads the charge with its immersive soundscape and imagination sparking descriptions.
Moving Out is a friendship-ending comedy game about moving furniture at any cost. It's a riot in both its premise and writing with a sizable amount of things to do that'll keep you coming back for more wacky physics. While it's best enjoyed with friends, it can still be fun on your own.
Sakura Wars is a great entry point to a fascinating series. If you wish Persona had a bit more action, you'll find exactly what you're looking for here. While the "sexy misunderstandings" are cringe worthy, the characters are fun to interact with and the giant robots are a joy to pilot.
Levelhead is an astounding creation from such a small studio. It's not just a toolset or portal for platforming levels, it's a community of creators all over the world supporting each other. It's not perfect, the single player is aggressively difficult and some aspects of sharing or finding levels leave a bit to be desired, but it's clear that this game is going to be supported by players and developers alike for a long time to come.
Guard Duty is an ambitious adventure game, inspired by the likes of Discworld and Monkey Island, that doesn't quite reach its goal. Still, if you're looking for a short, funny romp through two distinct worlds the game definitely delivers.
Trials of Mana is a wonderful reimagining of the 1995 classic. It's an almost endlessly replayable RPG thanks to the roster of characters, class system, and incredible new game plus. However, it's held back from greatness by a terrible english dub, poor performance on Switch, and the lack of multiplayer especially leaves a large hole in an otherwise enjoyable experience.
SNK Gals' Fighters is a reminder of why fighting games didn't really work on portable consoles back in the day. While the additions to this port are nice and the game looks good, the game itself feels unresponsive and the controls are too complex for its own good.
Mission: It's Complicated is a visual novel that will immediately charm your pants off with a cast of diverse and lovable characters. It's short enough to just hop in for a quick playthrough, but has enough endings to keep you busy for quite some time.
All three of these games are exactly what you'd expect from other versions: the same shootin', lootin', and possibly rootin' and tootin' found on other platforms. However, this style of game is a great fit for a portable console and may be worth double dipping if you've never played the DLC before.
Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition is the best version of Monolithsoft's masterpiece. Its additions serve to streamline the experience and make an already great game that much better. Its expansion Future Connected gives some much needed closure on one of the story's best and most complex characters while spicing up the exploration and combat in a fun, new way. If you're not already a fan, this version might just hook you like it has so many others.