Super Mario Maker 2 (Switch)

Date Purchased: June 28, 2019
Date Completed: September 12, 2019
Price: $69.99

I was eagerly anticipating Mario Maker 2, I had so much fun with the first one, that I just couldn't wait. I pre-ordered, pre-installed, all that good stuff.  It arrived, I played it, and while I'll fully admit it's a better game than the first one, the "magic" of making Mario just wasn't there.   You'll always remember your first, and man, I wanted to love it, but at it's very core, it's more of the same.  I've played it a lot, and will continue to play it, but it just doesn't have that same feeling.  In the end though, it's still great and I highly recommend.

Crash Team Racing: Nitro Fueled (PS4)

Date Purchased:  June 21, 2019
Date Completed: August 1, 2019
Price: $49.99 (PSN)

I was anxiously awaiting this game, buying it on release, and when I dove in after years of not playing the original Crash Team Racing, I was quite impressed with the graphical upgrade.  Playing the game however, it didn't feel right and I'm fully willing to admit I'm more accustomed to Mario Kart controls and physics.  "I'll adjust" I thought, and I had an okay time. I then went online to play and that's where my disappointment hit it's high.  The online is a chaotic mess, there is no ranking system, so you can be put in a lobby of CTR "pro's" but if you don't get out to a good start, you'll spend much of the race getting hit by any variety of projectiles.  I've won a few races, but my win percentage is definitely in the single digits.  It's a great looking game, with pretty generic sounds and game play that Mario Kart (sorry not sorry) leaves in the dust.  Pass.

Call Of Duty: Infinite Warfare Jackal Assault (PSVR)

Date Purchased: June 20, 2019
Date Completed: June 21, 2019
Price: Free

Less game, more "experience" sums up this aerial combat "simulation" which has you flying around space shooting down enemy warplanes.  It was a brief experience, clocking in somewhere around 30 enjoyable minutes.  The graphics were fine, but not the most thrilling experience in VR.  I know I'm using the word experience a lot.  It's free, so why not.  Recommend.

Beat Saber (PSVR)

Date Purchased: April 9, 2019
Date Completed: June 15, 2019
Price: $42.79 (PSN)

This is Rock Band for a new generation, is it better?  No.  Is it better in a group setting? Yes.  Does it feel pointless playing alone?  Yes.  I spent countless hours jamming to Rock Band in my basement, mastering my skill, but there's something about Beat Saber that makes playing alone feel pointless.  Perhaps I'm just not into the music, perhaps I'm missing the tactile feedback, perhaps it's just not as good as Rock Band.  It's a neat experience, and fun in a group setting.  It's apparently one of the best VR games, but I feel like it could be played with Wii-Motes on TV and get generally the same experience.  I know it sounds negative, but I don't really get the point.  Pass for solo play, recommend for a party game.

Astro Bot: Rescue Mission (PSVR)

Date Purchased: N/A
Date Completed: June 11, 2019
Price: Free (Borrowed)

I usually write these reviews so I can remember my thoughts on a game years from now.  I don't think that's necessary with this game as I'll always remember it with such fondness.  This is an amazing experience from top to bottom.  So fresh, so fun and never frustrating.  It's just a joy exploring these virtual worlds.  If you have a PSVR you need to play this game.  Strong contender for my GOTY.  Highest Recommendation.

Tetris 99 (Switch)

Date Purchased:  February 13, 2019
Date Completed: June 16, 2019
Price: Free (Nintendo Online)

I've resigned to the fact that I'll likely never win a battle in Tetris 99 and that's okay.  I was waiting until I won to give it a final verdict, but I've since moved on.  Tetris 99 is a game of Tetris where you're battling 99 other players.  Only one comes out on top.  This is Tetris Battle Royale.  The game is deeper than just "play Tetris" there are some complex strategies that need to applied to come on top, things I don't pay enough attention to, but perhaps need to in order to finally get that dub.  Regardless, the game is fun and I'd recommend it easily.

Trackmania Turbo VR (PSVR)

Date Purchased:  April 4, 2018
Date Completed:  April 16, 2019
Price: Free (PS+)

I'm really itching for a VR racing game after spending a few hours of this completing the campaign and getting gold on all 40 tracks.  This is the single greatest sense of immersion I've ever experienced in a game.  It's truly amazing.  The only downfall is how short it is, I wish the whole game could be played in VR.  Recommend @ free (duh) but probably not worth buying unless it's less than $5.