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It's to the game's impressive credit that it inspires such obsessive thoughts and the eventual adoption of a heartless economy. Gods Will Be Watching bleeds into your thoughts, even if the toll feels steep and caustic. The cost can feel too high, the enjoyment too strange and poisoned at times. But ... it's brilliant and different, you know? I just hate it, that's all.

Though the jumping, climbing and swinging may feel awkwardly moored by the engine and the dark atmosphere, this batch of Belmonts brings an appropriate heft to combat. As a challenging companion to Castlevania: Lords of Shadow, Mirror of Fate is just about worth its weight in subtitles.

Deadlight shines in its detailed world-building: The art direction, IDs, diary entries and pieces of hidden lore are glorious. It's the gameplay that fails to live up to the standard of these beautiful fragments, with unresponsive controls and frustrating scenarios that can't decide if they want to be puzzles or action sequences. That said, I enjoyed Deadlight despite the times I wanted to chuck the controller. Maybe the game was trying to teach me a new, zombie-repelling technique for the living room. Maybe.

If you don't skip any cut-scenes and follow the story closely, Yesterday is an experience unlike any of Pendulo's previous titles, and one you'll be unlikely to forget, no matter how hard you try.

The few complaints I've aimed at Castlevania: Lords of Shadow can't withstand its engaging combat and unapologetic march through danger. Being a hero will never lose its charm, even in a linear world that guarantees your victory. I know, I know -- if you're adamant about the previous formula, then maybe you won't believe this is Castlevania. But if you've grown tired of it and hoped to see a beautiful restoration of the timeless quest, you'll probably be on my side when I say: Guys, I can't believe this is Castlevania.

Dive's problems seem more glaring because I liked it so much initially. If you play through the first two or three islands, I'm betting you'll feel the same way. For about that long, it's a fresh and unique side-scroller that lets you explore some beautiful seascapes, but after that, the air in its tanks starts to get stale.