Psychonauts 2 is the sequel more than 15 years in the making and it actually lives up to the hype. As someone who loves 3D platformers, loves in depth stories, and loves when those genres combine but doesn’t see it too often, I’m happy to say that Psychonauts 2 is an awesome 3D platformer with really solid mechanics and an awesome story with various twists and turns. In the first game Raz was really cool to play as but now you’ve leveled up and have even more psychic powers to play with. All your psychic powers can be used to get through obstacles but what’s really cool is that practically every single one of them can also be used in combat and chaining your various psychic abilities together is really fun. The game looks really great going for an almost TIm Burton stop motion film style and it makes everything stand out. No level is like any other and it’s so exciting to see what comes next. The dialogue is also great and there are so many fun character interactions. It’s also a pretty accessible game and gives a recap at the beginning for anyone who hasn’t played the original. Throw on your thinking caps and go on a fun adventure that will certainly have your mind racing.

The game lives up to its name because Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is…a treasure Trove! Shovel Knight is a 2d platformer where you, as the titual knight go on a grand adventure to beat up the various bosses and defeat The Enchantress. Shovel Knight can dig with his shovel and use it as pogo stick which leads to some really fun and difficult platforming. The game is also home to a lot of awesome boss fights that feel very unique. And some of them have their own campaigns within this Treasure Trove. First up is Plague Knight. He’s very different and his attacks and platforming capabilities utilize his ability to throw potions. His play style can take some getting used to but once you get in the rhythm, it’s super fun. The best part about Plague Knight’s campaign though, is the dynamic between him and his assistant Mona. I won’t say anything else but it is incredibly entertaining and endearing. You better cherish those moments too because next up is Specter Knight with a much darker and tragic tale. The story here is interesting because you see how the group of Knights that were the main game’s bosses were formed. You see plenty of flashbacks that show how Specter Knight got to this point and I recommend you see it for yourself. While his story may be sad, his gameplay is a ton of fun. Imagine playing as a skating, dashing, grim reaper and that’s basically what you get with Specter Knight. Kind of helps to distract from his tragic tale but if we need even more levity, simply look to King Knight’s campaign. A bombastic adventure of comedy where King Knight tries to become King of the cards. King Knight is basically Wario and it makes the journey as insane as it sounds. The gameplay too is reminiscent of Wario, specifically the Wario Land games. Pulling of platforming chains is super satisfying and King Knight proved to be another fun character with another fun campaign. Finally there’s a fighting game mode which is basically Smash Bros but with the mechanics of Shovel Knight. Not too crazy but clearly had a lot of effort put in. This whole game is incredibly impressive. The original campaign is already great but successfully making 4 separate campaigns where the main character feels very different but is still very fun is such an accomplishment and so is this game as a whole. Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove gets a big recommendation from me.

Galaga has always reminded me of Space Invaders but I actually enjoy it quite a lot more than Space Invaders. Space invaders was all about aliens invading you but in Galaga, you’re taking the fight to them. The controls feel tighter, there’s a nice variety of enemies, and I love the way that you can see space in the background and how your ship is flying through it. I really enjoy this one. I think a lot of people know Galaga as that one old game that was referenced in The Avengers, but I know it as a really fun retro game.

You play as Jump Man (Mario) on a quest to save your girlfriend, Lady (Pauline) who has been kidnapped by the original Donkey Kong (Cranky Kong). This game is obviously known as the first appearance of Donkey Kong (although not the current day Donkey Kong. The version in this game would later become Cranky Kong), Mario, and Pauline. It’s pretty simple. You just climb up construction girders to get to DK and you must avoid obstacles he throws at you. You do a couple short stages and then the cycle repeats and you try to get a highscore. It’s okay but the impact it has had on gaming is truly remarkable.

One of my favorite games of all time. I’m a massive Spider-Man fan but even I was blown away by how good this game is. The combat? Incredible. You feel the weight of each attack and it’s satisfying every time you knock a guy out. The swinging? Exhilarating. You get to do all sorts of crazy moves while also feeling in total control. There’s fast travel in the game but you don’t even need it because you move at such great speeds. Side missions? Fun with a massive variety to choose from. They are so many collectibles and there are several different villains you can fight through the side missions. The story? One of the most engaging Spider-Man stories ever which gives us possibly my favorite interpretation of Peter Parker ever. If you haven’t played this game, go try it out. It’s amazing, no pun intended. Can’t wait for Spider-Man 2.