"Delta" is more of a modern day remaster than a true remake of "Snake Eater". The game is virtually the same as it was in 2004 on the PlayStation 2. But the biggest difference is the stunning photo realistic graphics courtesy of the Unreal Engine. On top of that, the gameplay has been given some minor "quality of life" adjustments for it to feel smoother than before. This remake's "New Style" control scheme is closer to "The Phantom Pain" than MGS 3 in terms of fluidity. However, the developers did include an optional "Legacy" control scheme and color palette, if you prefer the 2004 look and feel. A nice extra is the return of the "Snake Vs. Monkey" mini-game in which Snake hunts the apes from "Ape Escape". Overall, this is the best version of "Metal Gear Solid 3", even without the involvement of creator Hideo Kojima. I'd rate it with a 9 out of 10.
An action RPG that plays like a Final Fantasy game directed by Hideo Kojima. Developer Platinum Games had previously made "Metal Gear Rising" and "Bayonetta". And once again, they nail the character designs and hack n' slash combat. But with "Automata", they also deliver a story and world that can be quite sad. More than just an action game, this is a very emotional ride. But you'll have to finish it three times to see the true ending! The "Game of the Yorha" edition includes an extra mission, additional skins, PS4 avatars and a PS4 theme. Overall, I'd rate this with a 9 out of 10.
The upgraded Xbox port of "Fatal Frame" hit shelves 9 months after the original debuted on the PS2. It includes the "true" ending, additional ghosts, extra outfits and a new difficulty mode entitled "Fatal". Completing the game on "Fatal" unlocks an art gallery. This "Special Edition" also features a higher resolution, improved audio and a smoother framerate. Overall, this is the definitive version of the game. Anyone who loves Japanese horror films will love FF. On Xbox, I'd rate it with an 8.5 out of 10.
The PS5 version of "Resident Evil 7: Gold Edition" isn't a remaster. But it does look better with 4K resolution, ray tracing and a higher framerate. It also features faster loading and haptic feedback on the Dual Sense. I own the original PS4 game on disc, so I was able to download the PS5 version for free. But collectors also have the option of buying a physical copy. Overall, I'd rate this with a 9 out of 10.
A good collection of Double Dragon and Kunio-Kun games, 18 in total. Seven titles had been previously released in the United States. Eleven were Japanese-only. The most popular are the three "Dragon" games and "River City Ransom". But the rest of "Brawler Bundle" are equally fun and hold up well despite their age. Many of them are sports titles and "Super Dodge Ball" is perhaps the most famous. This compilation also includes online play, 55 in-game missions and a "Quality Up" mode which refines each title. Overall, I'd rate this with an 8 out of 10.
"Fatal Frame" was first released on the PS2 back in 2002. It came out at a time when "Resident Evil" and "Silent Hill" were the two titans in survival horror. The game claimed to be "Based on a True Story", but it really pulled its inspiration from Japanese horror films. Set in 80's rural Japan, "Fatal" has an extremely spooky atmosphere. It's a mystery ghost story filled with plenty of intense confrontations and creepy moments. Your weapon is a supernatural camera that exorcises the demonic spirits that roam the countryside. The tone of the game is like a mix of Sam Raimi's "The Evil Dead" and "Ringu", the Japanese film that was remade as "The Ring". While it's not as good as "Resident Evil" or "Silent Hill", the game is still a must-play for horror fans. I'd rate it with an 8.2 out of 10.
The worst version of "Double Agent". It's a port of the GameCube version, but the Wiimote/Nunchuck motion controls really slow the pace down. It's too bad you can't use a basic controller. Overall, the game is fun and it's the only "Splinter Cell" available on the Wii. Fans of stealth action will enjoy it once they master the bad controls. I'd rate this with a 7 out of 10.
A cross between "Destiny" and "Borderlands". The post-apocalyptic story is told with Clancy's grounded approach, but enemies are "bullet sponges". This co-op-based loot shooter is best played cooperatively with a group of buddies online. The expansive open environments and graphics are impressive. Overall, this is a good action/RPG game. I'd rate it with an 8 out of 10.
A cross between the Wii game "Red Steel" and "Duke Nukem". It's a silly FPS with plenty of secrets and challenges. All the weapons, skills and abilities can be upgraded. Along with the story mode, there's also survival horde maps and unlockable concept artwork. This is an indie game and it shows. The graphics are basic and there aren't a ton of enemy types. While the shooting/slashing gameplay is fun, it does get a bit repetitive. Overall, I would rate this with a 7.4 out of 10.
A hardcore shoot 'em up with wonderful animation that pays tribute to 30's cartoons. It consists of run n' gun levels and boss fight stages. The game plays out like "Contra". You'll die plenty of times while learning enemy attack patterns. Timing your moves and attacks are the keys to a hard-earned victory. And as you progress, you'll earn points that can be used on various upgrades. Playing in solo mode is fun, but you'll get the most out of "Cuphead" with a partner in co-op. Overall, I would rate this with an 8.6 out of 10.
This "Splinter Cell" clone features Ethan Hunt, the spy played by Tom Cruise in the movies. It has less trial-and-error than Sam Fisher's first adventure. But it's also a bit clunky. Still, if you're a fan of stealth games, you'll probably enjoy it. "Surma" has more spying and puzzle solving than shootouts. It also has plenty of unique gadgets that are fun to use. However, the controls take some getting used to. On a side note, it's great to hear Ving Rhames reprise his role as Luther Stickell. Overall, I would rate this with a 7.4 out of 10.
"Super Double Dragon" on the PlayStation Store is a steal at only $7. It includes both the SNES game "Super" and the superior Japanese version titled "Return of Double Dragon". "Return" has improved combat, extra stages, superior enemy AI, difficulty options and the ability to add credits. This port also includes a game speed adjuster along with various scanlines and stylish wallpapers. Fans of "Double Dragon" would do well by playing "Return" with the game speed turned up. Overall, I'd rate this with an 8 out of 10.
A fun, but flawed revival of the classic beat 'em up. The combat is fast, fluid and flashy. The colorful graphics and manga-style panels are visually appealing. Even the musical score is terrific. But the game itself isn't as good as DDG: Rise of the Dragons. Still, I think fans of "Double Dragon Neon" will enjoy it. "Revive" features eight stages, each with very challenging bosses. Unfortunately, the final two boss fights get frustrating due to a difficulty spike. As with any co-op beat 'em up title, this is best played with a partner. Along with Billy and Jimmy Lee, you can also select Marion and the ninja Ranzou. All four characters have their own fighting styles. You can also use the environment for special attacks. In addition, there is a challenge mode that can be tackled in co-op either locally or online. Overall, I'd rate this with a 7 out of 10.
“Requiem” is another great “Resident Evil” game. I’d rank it up with RE 4 remake and RE 7 as a Top 3 entry. The story is one of the series’ best, the graphics are stunning and the gameplay is superb. Fans of RE 7 and “Village” will love Grace’s levels in first-person. They are intense and scary and I was sometimes reminded of "Alien: Isolation". Surprisingly, Leon’s levels are similar to his over-the-top “Resident Evil 6” chapters. They are big in action spectacle, but are superior in execution. It took me 12 ½ hours to finish the game (17 hrs according to the PS5) and I still missed some stuff. As a celebration of the series’ 30 year history, "Requiem" is outstanding. It's a culmination of everything the series has done since "Resident Evil 7." Overall, I'd rate this with a 9.2 out of 10.
"Mega Man Legacy Collection" includes the first six games, the Japanese versions, a challenge mode, a rewind mechanic, a few display options and a music/art museum. It's certainly a must-have for longtime fans. But it's a harder sell for new players due to the extreme difficulty. Developer Digital Eclipse should've included tips on how to defeat bosses. Or perhaps an "easy" mode for players that don't have the patience for the trial-and-error. Overall, I'd rate this with an 8 out of 10
I played the Xbox 360 version of "Gunstar Heroes" which lacks the 3D of the 3DS conversion. It's a Sega Genesis classic that holds up. This two-player side-scrolling shooter is reminiscent of "Contra". The stages are colorful and the boss fights are challenging. Like in "Mega Man", you can select the stages in any order and the final one combines boss fights with light puzzle solving. It might be a bit dated, but it's still fun. I'd rate it with a 8 out of 10.
The Xbox One version of "Dead Rising 2" performs better than its PS4 sibling due to less glitches. But the game itself repeats the formula of the first game. It's basically more-of-the-same but lacks the camera and photo challenges of DR 1. However, the addition of co-op play makes up for that omission. Sadly, the new protagonist Chuck Greene isn't as memorable as Frank West. Overall, I'd rate it with an 8 out of 10.
The Dreamcast port of "Soul Calibur" is an arcade perfect masterpiece. It's easily one of the best fighting games of all time. And it's certainly the best entry in the series. Graphically, "Soul" is still impressive. The animation is fluid, the framerate is smooth and the fighters look great. Tight controls, fantastic music and terrific fight mechanics help make this a classic. I'd rate it with 10 out of 10.
Bigger and better than the first game. The developer Respawn Entertainment added a single player story mode and fleshed out the online competitive multiplayer. There are more mechs, weapons, special abilities and maps. It's everything the original "Titanfall" should've been. It's too bad it didn't sell well because it's a very unique and exhilarating shooter. I'd rate it with a 9 out of 10.
A big improvement over the original. It's faster-paced with bigger action and more refined gameplay. In a way, the first "Borderlands" feels like a blueprint for this bigger and better sequel. It was one of the best action games of 2012. I'd rate it with a 9 out of 10
The original "Borderlands" has a much slower pace than its predecessors. But it's still a fun co-op shooter that blends "Diablo" with "Mad Max". The game is best played with three buddies online. And you need to at least play with a friend in two-player split-screen for any sense of fun. Playing "Borderlands" solo can be a real slog. Overall, I'd rate this with an 8.4 out of 10.
An Xbox classic. Arguably the best "Halo" ever made. It's certainly better than the first game. Developer Bungie had improved every aspect of the original with "Halo 2". The story was more ambitious, the action had more variety and the multiplayer had evolved with Xbox Live. This was truly the Xbox game of the year back in 2004. It's a masterpiece. I'd rate it with a 10 out of 10.
A pretty good, but not great "Halo" game. The open-world campaign isn't fully realized. And the story has some bland characters. But the gameplay is still solid. Nothing has been changed, only updated. This is still classic "Halo", but it's slightly evolved. Unfortunately, 343 Industries launched it in an unfinished state. Initially, there were no Forge or story co-op modes. However, the game has been patched to include everything you'd expect in a "Halo" title including multiplayer. Overall, fans of the series will enjoy it. The Xbox One version looks good, but this was meant to be played on the Series X. I'd rate it a 9 on Series X. But the Xbox One version gets an 8 out of 10.
"Fireteam" is pretty much what you'd expect from a third-person shooter based on "Aliens". It plays like a mix of "Gears of War" and "Left 4 Dead" with a dash of "Destiny". The 12-chapter story mode can be played cooperatively with two others online. It'll last about 8 hours at the default difficulty. Series fans will enjoy the inclusion of "Prometheus" elements. But overall, the game is a fun, but repetitive shooter. It's not an essential, innovative title like the classic "Alien: Isolation". Overall, I'd rate it with a 7 out of 10.
"24: The Game" takes place between Seasons 2 and 3. It emulates the TV show's presentation very well. Gameplay is a mix of shooting, driving, sniping, interrogating and puzzle solving. Every key member of the show (including all the actors) contributed to this game. As a result, it's an authentic take on the source material. And it's a must play for fans due to the story. But the gameplay is sloppy and the AI is weak. It's a decent action game that's comparable to "Enter the Matrix". However, it's also not as good as that 2003 release. Overall, I'd rate this with a 6.2 out of 10.
This prequel to "Halo 3" was originally conceived as a downloadable expansion. It features notable changes to the formula. For starters, Master Chief isn't in the game at all. Secondly, the developers added a Film Noir ambiance; the game takes place entirely at night and features neon-lit environments. Silenced weapons are also a new addition. And the cooperative horde mode "Firefight" made its debut with this title. While not a major entry in the "Halo" mythos, "ODST" is a must play for fans. I'd rate it with an 8.3 out of 10.
This prologue to "Dead Rising 2" feels like an extended demo. It introduces the new protagonist Chuck Greene, his daughter and the new game mechanics. There are 6 different endings you can earn. And you carry over your combo cards and experience levels into the main game. Perfectly priced at five bucks, "Case Zero" is a must for fans of the original game. I'd rate it with an 8 out of 10.
"The Getaway" is the very first Sony PlayStation action game that was an attempt to emulate cinema. It paid tribute to the gangster films of director Guy Ritchie. At the time of release, this was compared to the king of open-world crime titles "Grand Theft Auto III". But "Getaway" is really a linear third-person shooter with sections that require you to drive to locations. The game lacks a map and a GPS system. Instead, you see the blinkers turn on when you must turn. Also, there are no health packs. When you're injured, you must rest to recover health. Overall, the story is terrific and the performances are great. But the gameplay can be a little clunky. Still, this is a gritty action game worth playing for fans of GTA and "Max Payne". I'd rate it with a 7.6 out of 10.
A bombastic open-world action title that plays like a blend of "Mercenaries 2" and "Saints Row 2". It's over-the-top fun, but sadly, the frame rate slows to a crawl when huge explosions occur. That's a real shame cause you'll be blowing up stuff a lot in this game. Like plenty of action sandbox titles, "Just Cause 3" can get repetitive. But there are enough vehicles, weapons and gadgets (like the wingsuit) to keep players from being bored. I'd rate this with a 7.3 out of 10.
"Mafia III" is a pretty standard GTA clone. It has a good atmosphere and the story is like a cross between "American Gangster" and "Dead Presidents". The game's developer really nailed the vibe of the late 60's and put together a great licensed soundtrack. But the gameplay eventually gets repetitive. It can be fun, but there's nothing in it that "Grand Theft Auto III" didn't do better 15 years earlier. I'd rate it with a 7 out of 10.
The Sega Genesis game "Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi" differs from the arcade version which was simply titled "Shadow Dancer". Both feature the same gameplay, but have different art styles, boss fights and bonus stages. The general consensus is the Genesis title is the better of the two. It has superior graphics and more challenging bosses. While not as great as "The Revenge of Shinobi" (also a Sega Genesis game), "The Secret of Shinobi" is a solid action romp. I'd rate it with an 8 out of 10.
This violent and crass FPS is in the vein of "Duke Nukem". Developed by People Can Fly (Gears of War: Judgment), it's a colorful arcade-style shooter that features a whip-like weapon that's a lot of fun to use. The shooting mechanics are solid and the firearms are terrific. But it's the whip that makes "Bulletstorm" stand apart from its brethren. You can use it to throw around bad guys and create all sorts of havoc. The game encourages creative kills throughout its brief 5 hour playtime. There's also a cooperative horde mode, but the servers have been closed for years. Overall, this game would make a good pairing with "Rage". I'd rate it with an 8 out of 10.
This sequel to the 2004 PC game is a linear FPS that plays like a futuristic sci-fi "Call of Duty". The PS3 version lags behind its Xbox 360 sibling in terms of frame rate and resolution. But it's still a very good looking title. In "Crysis 2", you combat evil paramilitary forces and aliens in New York City with nanotechnology abilities. I was reminded of "Goldeneye: Rogue Agent", another shooter that mixed up gunplay with super powers. Along with several customizable firearms, you can use stealth, melee attacks, high jumps and fast speed for combat. The online competitive mutliplayer is fun, but "Call of Duty" was much better in that department. Overall, this was a great shooter at the time of its release. I'd rate it with an 8.4 out of 10.
A big disappointment from the “Hitman” developers. This third-person shooter feels unfinished due to a number of issues. While the Michael Mann-esque story and characters are compelling, the gameplay is not a lot of fun. The aiming feels terrible and bullets that hit their targets don’t always register. The cover system is also pretty clunky and almost useless. In addition, there are no health indicators. So you never know how close you are to dying. Also, playing solo can be quite frustrating due to bad teammate AI. And I wish the two-player cooperative mode wasn’t just available in local split-screen. There are a few bright spots in “Kane & Lynch”, but it's mostly a slog. It's surprising that IO Interactive made such a low quality title after “Hitman: Blood Money” and “Freedom Fighters”. I’d rate this with a 6 out of 10.
Bloober Team’s follow-up to their “Silent Hill 2” remake is another solid effort. While it pulls much from “Dead Space”, it has a very different story and tone. This is an Earth-bound time travel tale with a moody style comparable to “Control”. Its post-apocalyptic setting is more in line with the “Metro” games. I only wish the story itself was told with more clarity. Also, the game starts to repeat itself a little too much towards the end. And the final boss can be frustrating due to his cheap rush attacks and fast teleporting. Still, this is a mostly engrossing survival horror title that will take about 20 hours to complete. Overall, "Cronos" is a much better “Dead Space”-type game than “The Callisto Protocol”. I’d rate it with an 8.2 out of 10.
This tactical squad-based shooter isn't what you'd expect from the makers of "Hitman". It's fun and the squad commands work well. But the cartoon look is off-putting since this is a serious war game. The plot is seemingly inspired by the 80's movie "Red Dawn". You must repel and defeat the invading Russian forces from New York City. Along with the story mode, there is split-screen multiplayer that supports up to four players. This is a solid action game. But once you complete it, there is very little replay value. Overall, I'd rate this with an 8.1 out of 10.
This violent action game is a cross between "Star Wars: The Force Unleashed" and "Metal Gear Solid". You'll use firearms and Jedi-like psychic powers to fight off enemies with. There's also the occasional puzzle to solve. This actually feels like a companion to "The Suffering" which was also released in 2004 by Midway. It's too bad "Psi-Ops" ends with a cliffhanger because there never was a sequel. Still, the game is a lot of fun. Just don't play the cooperative mode, it's terrible (one player moves the hero, while the other commands his attacks). Overall, I'd rate this with a 7.7 out of 10.
Like the original "BloodRayne", this is a fun guilty pleasure. It's also an improvement. The graphics, action and puzzles have all been amped up. This was released in 2004 and you can see how it was influenced by titles like the Xbox's "Ninja Gaiden" and "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time". It expands on the combat system of its predecessor. And while the action can get repetitive, it's still a fun time. Overall, "BloodRayne 2" is better than the video game based on "Blade II". I'd rate it with a 7.5 out of 10.
A shorter game than the original "Suffering", but also more refined. This is an action horror title meaning it has more in common with "Devil May Cry" than "Resident Evil". For better or worse, there are less puzzles than in the first game. But the multiple endings (three in total) are still included. "Ties That Bind" has a better combat system and graphics than its predecessor. In its own way, it's about as good as the first. I'd rate it with an 8 out of 10.
The remaster of "Darksiders" includes all the DLC. Originally released in 2010, it still holds up quite well in 2026. The bright comic book art style looks great. And the combat system is fun, although a little dated. This is one of those cult hits that held its own against "Bayonetta" and "Devil May Cry 4". Fans of "God of War" and "Zelda" will enjoy it. I'd rate this remaster with an 8 out of 10.
Spec Ops: The Line" plays like "Gears of War" in Dubai. It's a cover-based third-person shooter that doesn't break any new ground in gameplay. But the dramatic storytelling helps elevate it to quasi-art. The plot seems inspired by "Apocalypse Now", but the realistic approach recalls "The Hurt Locker". It's fairly dark stuff that puts you in the boots of a soldier forced to make tough moral decisions. The game includes competitive multiplayer and online co-op missions. But it's the single player story mode that makes the true impression. The PS3 version includes some occasional freezing at checkpoints. It also looks slightly less impressive than the Xbox 360 edition. Still, I would rate it with an 8.1 out of 10.
"War for Cybertron" on PS3 runs at a lower resolution and a lower frame rate than the Xbox 360 version. But it's still not a bad way to play the game. The shooter it resembles the most is "Gears of War". The story mode is split into two campaigns. The first half is the Decepticons story, then you play as the Autobots. Before the start of each chapter, you select from one of three characters. The campaign can be played with up to three other players online. In addition, there are various competitive modes and Escalation, a wave-based co-op mode. Overall, I would rate this PS3 version with an 8.2 out of 10.
"Fall of Cybertron" is an improvement over "War for Cybertron" in two ways. Both the story mode and Escalation are simply more refined. Unfortunately, unlike "War", you cannot play the story cooperatively with two buddies online. That's the big trade-off. Still, the game is great fun and will appeal to fans of "Gears of War". I'd rate it with an 8.4 out of 10.
The best game in the series. It's big dumb fun that improved upon its predecessor. While GTA IV focused more on story and character, "Saints Row 2" is all about adolescent crude humor and plenty of open-world activities. It's like "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas" meets "Jackass". You can play it cooperatively with a buddy online. And the competitive multiplayer modes are a nice diversion. Overall, I'd rate this with an 8.2 out of 10.
This zany sequel is a step down from "Saints Row 2". It's a shorter game with less diversity and content. Still, it's a lot of fun with bigger action set pieces, refinements and some additions such as the horde mode. And like its predecessors, you can play the campaign with a buddy online. However, the competitive multiplayer from previous titles was cut out. Overall, I'd rate this with an 8 out of 10.
An on-rails shooter that utilizes the PS4's gyroscope sensors for aiming. Based on a graphic novel, it's crass and fun, but can get repetitive with overly long stages. Players that are familiar with the Wii's "Red Steel" and the "Shadow Warrior" games will see some similarities. A nice variety of weapons and environments keeps the game playable. But once you're finished, you might not want to replay it. This one of those "one-and-done" shooters. Fans of "Duke Nukem" will enjoy it. Overall, I'd rate this with a 6.5 out of 10.
Despite the ugly art style, this is a decent beat 'em up that feels like an arcade game from the 90's. The influence of "Streets of Rage" is also obvious. The game is tough, but it's made easier (and more fun) if you team up with two other players locally. Three characters are available to choose from and multiple in-game challenges (like making arrests) add to the challenge. In addition to the Arcade mode, there is also Brawl which is a survival horde game type. Overall, fans of beat 'em ups will enjoy this to some degree. I'd rate this with a 7 out of 10.
The original "Left 4 Dead" was a standout survival horror title in 2009. Its cooperative campaign and competitive multiplayer was worth going online for. An arcade-style, first-person shooter inspired by grindhouse zombie movies, it was a unique experience that ranked up with "Call of Duty" and "Gears of War". While it has less content than its sequel, this first "Left 4 Dead" is a classic. I'd rate it with a 9 out of 10.
This outstanding revival of "Shinobi" is one of the best action titles from 2025. The development team Lizardcube had previously made "Streets of Rage 4". With "Vengeance", they built upon what made that legacy sequel so good. Featuring 14 expansive levels and Metroidvania elements, the game takes about 15 hours to finish. But it may take up to 30 for 100% completion. Gameplay is a mixture of beat' em up-style action and old-school platforming. Surprisingly, the default difficulty can be quite challenging. The final boss fights are difficult, but fair. However, the platforming segments can be frustrating with their "trial-and-error" nature. Finally, the game's "painting" art style is stunning and the musical score is fantastic. Overall, longtime fans of the series will be pleased with this new iteration. I'd rate it with a 9 out of 10.
"Assassin's Creed" on the PS3 is inferior to the Xbox 360's version. It has a much lower resolution and a slower frame rate. Also, the graphics are slightly less detailed. On top of that, there are no Trophies to unlock. The game itself is fun, but very repetitive. Once you see it on the 360, you'll realize how much the PS3 version lags behind. Still, I'd rate this first AC on Sony's console with a 7.7 out of 10.
