"Style over substance" is a reflexively-bandied phrase that's diminished in meaning over time. Although I partly agree to its usage here to highlight certain gameplay flaws, I don't think that should tarnish Narita Boy's immense successes. Studio Koba designed what they knew best – reverent 80s nostalgia, inspired techno-spirituality, beautiful 2D art, & more – with a sincerity rarely seen today.

While frustrating at times, Signs of the Sojourner does a fantastic job of nailing the actual flow of communication in the form of a card game. It also provides an excellent sense of freedom. By the time I got to one of the game’s multiple endings, I really felt like my actions and choices had earned it. I only wish that it had gone on a bit longer. Just when I really felt like I was getting everything the game was throwing at me, it ended. Still, I appreciate a game that leaves me wanting more and the different paths I could have taken provide enticement for a second trip.

If you go into this game expecting horror and mind-blowing puzzles, you’ll be disappointed. However, the storyline and the artwork justifies the purpose of the game, especially if you actually understand the story *cough* unlike me *cough*. If anything, I’ll at least be picking up a Lovecraft book from my local library so I can fake it better next time.

The writing has its fair share of material that’s worth a few sharp exhales through the nose and sensible chuckling but the committed delivery of the cast is a nice surprise and adds value. If you’re a fan of the Explosm! webcomic series and shorts, then Freakpocalypse is bound to hold a measure of interest. Just don’t go in expecting too much.

There are some things you expect coming into a Square Enix produced JRPG. You expect some grinding, you expect some weird dialogue, you even expect it to take a while to get going (I’m looking at you Final Fantasy XIII and the 30 hours it took to get good). What you don’t expect is for the game to feel like it’s just going through the motions with its story, for the central class system to not feel worthwhile, and for the battle system’s main claim to fame being you get to skip your turn to go later. Turns out Defaulting on this one is the right move.

The decision on this game comes down to the pros vs the cons, and whether you think you'd be happy to enjoy it as it is, or if you'd rather wait until some more updates. The load times and staggers can be mildly irritating and can amass during longer play sessions, but are by no means game-breaking or a reason entirely not to give it a go. Especially for those looking to play a little more casually, or in shorter bursts, or maybe aren't now accustomed to the world of SSD loading times, I still have to recommend this title as worth a go - just perhaps not necessarily the one to pick above the others.

Star Renegades is fine enough a game in its genre but it hangs too tightly onto its rigorous gameplay loop, exhausting fun out of repeated attempts.

Cathedral lacks vision where it counts. The title is focused on appealing to the hardcore with its retro presentation and difficulty that borders on irritating. The visuals and audio are certainly reminiscent of titles from the past, however, they lack that special polish that would elevate them beyond the superficial way they ape how games looked and sounded back then. Level design lacked care in checkpoint placement and enemy locations as well as quality of life features, which stacked tedium upon tedium. Overall, I have trouble recommending Cathedral; though it certainly has a niche appeal, its faults made the experience less than satisfactory.

By blending social deduction with survival mechanics Other Ocean has successfully avoided any Among Us clone accusations. Regardless of my tempered enthusiasm from Day One DLC and some polish concerns, Project Winter is a well-devised game that can lead to moments of intense distrust and cooperation few online games can equal.

Ghosts 'N Goblins Resurrection is a bona fide niche title that will only hold appeal to the masochistic. Even on its easiest setting, where dying leads to an instant respawn, I can’t have fun with a game that amounts to slamming your head against a rock wall. It might have been better for Capcom and Nintendo to make the original games available through the Nintendo Online service because Resurrection is an experience modified to make it somewhat more digestible to a new audience. Choosing different difficulties is a nice touch but after beating the game on Page, which was insane even with no-cost respawning, what incentive did I have to go back and do it all again while adding even more painful roadblocks? Yeah, no thanks. I’m too old to put up for this sort of thing now.

Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Earthblood is such a schlocky, longwinded title that's complimentary for this schlocky "B-game." There's a potent stealth-action template and renowned universe to explore that — sadly — neither of said hopes are fully actualized here. That said, the valiant attempt deserves some credit. Should genre fans go in with modest expectations, perhaps they'll excitedly sink their teeth and claws into it.

Anodyne 2: Return to Dust is a bit too long for its 12-ish hours running time, considering its simple gameplay both inside and out of dungeons. Reiterating the same ideas over and again works only for so far. Of course, all games can be called repetitive but it’s only highlighted by Anodyne 2’s pedestrian pace and too many dungeons. The game could have used tightening up its dramaturgy and gameplay to better hit home its heartfelt, timely message (of course, there’s a bad ending, too, that is really bleak). As it is now, the road towards the finale that is worth seeing goes on too long. However, for a two-person development team, Anodyne 2 is a true passion project of games of yesteryear. It’s targeted at people who experienced the exciting transition from 2D consoles to 3D games in the mid-90s and who long after those days when the new technology (that now looks charmingly aged) vowed an entire generation of gamers.

Natsuki Chronicles accommodates newcomers and veterans of the genre without diluting the experience for either. The tight, challenging gameplay and great presentation provide a game that’s well worth playing. Admittedly, the difficulty may be off-putting to some, especially with the occasional difficulty spike. However, Natsuki Chronicles provides the tools to master the gameplay without the tedium often associated with games of its genre. I would wholeheartedly recommend the game to those that appreciate high quality shoot ‘em ups or even just someone looking for a good introduction to the genre.

Another Dawn is less of a game and more of a reeking pustule residing on a game storefront. While it can't be called "broken" insofar that it can barely be finished, this wretched shooter made me wish the opposite so I’d have a reason to leave earlier.

Outside the career mode there are no significant improvements made to the game, though. The physics and the gameplay remain great and it feels like it’s even more important this time around to balance your rider with the right thumbstick of the controller, especially when landing jumps. When playing the game on PC, I couldn’t help but notice how the visuals drag behind the standards of modern gaming. Character models are the same as before and by each year they get more outdated. Landscapes look bland and boring and there are hardly any particle effects which would have helped to improve the feel of ripping through mud and gravel. Of course, it’s always great when a yearly iteration of a sports game has had courage to revamp its core experience. Granted, the new career mode allows long-lasting gameplay but it’s simply not fun to play anymore.

As a drama about two people falling in and out of love, the script is an amalgam of every relationship ever presented on television and in film, so it is easily relatable if rather trite. If you like abstract puzzles framed around a grounded narrative, then Maquette does offer some value but I don’t see it leaving any long-lasting impressions.

If you’re a fan of SHMUPs or action games and platformers, I think the titles are here to be worth your time but for fans of other genres, it’s probably worth holding out to see what future events Capcom plans to hold in this stadium.

Taxi Chaos is like the usual knock-off. At first, it might look and feel the same as the quality product it was fashioned after, but when you get to know it better, it turns out to be just a cheap copy of the original (cheap not in the way of its price because this costs a whopping 30 bucks, mind you). ”But wait”, I hear you cry. ”What if I have never played Crazy Taxi, could I enjoy Taxi Chaos then?” I’m afraid I can’t answer that question because I simply can’t turn off my sweet memory of Crazy Taxi (that I can return to any day, thanks to the backwards compatible X360 version of the game!).

Gods Will Fall is a beautiful mess of ideas that sometimes innovate and surprise and sometimes fall face first into the abyss. The gambling mechanic of entering a dungeon and hoping you rolled an easier area to be better prepared for harder areas later is frankly, awful. As much as I loved almost every other aspect of this game, this one issue brought down an otherwise standout game by at least a full point for me. I may sound a little harsh on this game, but ultimately, I would still encourage people to give this game a shot. There are so many good ideas in here that, despite my hangups, I would still wholeheartedly recommend this to people looking for a fresh take on the roguelike genre.

Nerve is certainly a rollercoaster of an experience, more so than most titles. It is genuinely exhilarating when you fully master a level and move at top speed from the beginning to the end. However, the lengthy memorization process and saturation of visual effects made the lows exceedingly difficult to bear. The narrow focus on exclusively being a hardcore experience left me divided as I found it difficult to play for extended periods of time without getting overburdened by the fast flashing lights and unsatisfying, tedious practice phases. I can only recommend the game to those that are absolutely in love with the idea of a punishing, fast paced title with some of highest highs and lowest lows within the medium.

Werewolf: The Apocalypse – Heart of the Forest is an interesting mix of werewolf myths based on a role-playing codex and real-life eco-activism in the form of a low-key interactive story. There really was protests in Białowieża national forest in 2016 where the game draws its inspiration from. Usually, visual novels are a whole lot less involving as choices in them are often just superficial. Here, though, you must really go under Maia’s skin and talk and act like you would in her place. The game does not try to embrace the world but is a strictly controlled experience. Its prose is punctual and sufficiently descriptive and keeps pace with today’s important matters. The angle is strongly on the side of spirituality and nature, as well as accepting what really makes you. Aided by strong visual sense and deep but not preaching writing, Werewolf: The Apocalypse – Heart of the Forest is a reminiscent of the fact that good gaming entertainment needs nothing more than an intriguing story and necessary means to convey it.

While it isn’t perfect, Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is one of the best action-RPGs I’ve played in recent years. With fantastic combat, a compelling story and characters, and exploration which is among my favorite in any recent game, after a slow first hour or two it grabbed me and never let go. Whether you’re a series veteran or you’ve never played an Ys game in your life, you’ll find an adventure that’s well worth taking.

In the end, I enjoyed myself most when I stopped comparing Nioh to Souls games and appreciated it for what it is. Nioh has fast-paced, challenging combat with a deep loot and upgrade system. With well-designed levels and a ton of content, it's easy to sink a lot of time into this visit to Sengoku era Japan.

The Pedestrian is one of the best puzzle experiences I’ve had on the console. It starts off strong and carries that energy throughout the rest of the adventure, dishing out new mechanics and obstacles at a comfortable pace that never had me feeling bored or disinterested. Mix together the gameplay with an animated setting and a jaunty musical score and the end result is a delectable delight of video game entertainment.

Little Nightmares II builds greatly upon what the first title achieved, and pushes with great effort to accomplish even more in its setting, design, and gameplay - and it absolutely succeeds in every area of the game. From start to finish of this 4-5 hour experience, you’ll be sat on the edge of your seat, wanting nothing more than to go back in the opposite direction, but the world design and your curiosity will compel you to delve ever deeper into the horrors that await. I am confident that fans of the first game will absolutely love this installment, and any newcomers should go back and play both of these games without a doubt. The settings are both creepy and beautiful, and I really hope to see more from Tarsier Studios in the future.

The Medium may lack the sparkle and glam of big games because of its introverted and personal nature but that’s the very reason its take on mental issues holds up so exceptionally well.

Not only does the game look gorgeous but the control system has been enhanced for the Dual Sense with haptic feedbacks and life-like rumble effects as you tear across the pavement. Newcomers to motorcycle racing (or people just wanting a new game for their new PS5) are going to face an uphill climb as they acclimate themselves to the unique complexities of Ride 4’s gameplay demands. There are systems in place to make the experience a bit easier but I would have liked to see a stronger emphasis on the fundamentals of controlling a high-speed bike - and the initial license exam would have been the perfect opportunity for that. As it stands, there might be some substantial hurdles for the player to overcome before they get to a point where they feel like they’ve got a proper handle on Ride 4’s deep approach to simulated racing.

Skul: The Hero Slayer has a lot going for it, but it is also muddled with design issues. For all of its creative skull designs, interesting build options, and cool and flashy attacks, I found the experience as a whole to be draining. It’s a case where the core gameplay loop is hindered by its overbearing rogue elements. A genre reliant on repetition has to accommodate for it by offsetting the recursive elements of the game, no matter how good the combat is. Skul: The Hero Slayer is certainly enjoyable on occasion, but its roguelite ingredients ultimately harm the title as a whole.

Overall, this is a fun, deceivingly complex game that portrays mental health in a unique and mostly accurate light. Between the simplified gameplay and lovely and dark graphics, this game is one to add to your collection especially if you enjoy problem solving and puzzles.This reminds me - better go call my therapist.

I find its depth and focus on exploration and letting players find their own way fascinating and the many stories contained within demanded my attention. I’m glad I finally had a chance to check it out in any form and if that sounds up your alley, there’s a game in here worthy of your time. I have a much harder time recommending that you play it on the Switch, though, and would only recommend checking out Switch version if you don’t have any other way to play it. You simply have to put up with far too much to get to all the good contained within.

Hitman 3 doesn’t bring any substantial changes to the tried and true mechanics of the trilogy, but instead offers the most complete, refined version of Agent 47 we’ve seen to date. Despite a lackluster story, IO Interactive has otherwise done an outstanding job over the years with this trilogy and Hitman 3 represents the culmination of all those efforts.

Airborne Kingdom is a pleasure to spend a relaxing few hours with. It has a refreshing approach to the city building genre which is genuinely unique and although it eschews conflict and drama, the survival elements, resource collection tasks and challenges of building an optimal floating city are both engaging and relaxing. Airborne Kingdom has an outstanding core premise and aesthetics but lacking some genre-standard features like a sandbox mode or customizable structures, it can offer up its pleasures and be done a little too quickly.

Olija’s atmosphere is spot on and despite its huge pixels, the game manages to channel Hugo Pratt’s fabled Corto Maltese graphic novels that take place in similar exotic corners of the world. The gameplay also works most of the time, but as is often the case with indie games, the authoritarian developer has gone overboard. The less is usually more but here, the style simply went over the substance and 12 hours of playtime more than overstays its welcome considering the game's ultimately shallow bounty.

Having played through OMORI, I’m confident say that it’s an experience I won’t forget. This is a game I wholeheartedly recommend for those that appreciate a good story. With a strong emphasis on catharsis, it has a lot up its sleeves. The cutesy and colorful presentation hides a grim reality and it hits hard. Highly recommended, OMORI is a gem of a game that definitely deserves recognition.

Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy is a great entry point for those unfamiliar with JRPGs but who would like to get acquainted with this perhaps mythical genre. At the same time, you also have to learn and put up with grinding, because now and then you will encounter bosses that are a bit too much for an under-leveled party. Thanks to the snappy combat, quick gameplay and easy traversal, you are back in the home base in no time for another go. Ryza’s bright attitude will rub on you and make it easier to go through chores and grinding of real life.

Morkredd's main mechanic succinctly reflects my own thoughts on it altogether. The glowing orb represents life: punctuating atmosphere, inspired visual design, and a motivating gimmick. But when you begin to step away, as you wander outside its glow, you encounter death: day-one DLC, technical problems, an atrocious finale, and more. These severe disparities, bright day and atramentous night, imply even genre fans will be ambivalent towards it.

There isn’t much positive to say about OverRide 2: Super Mech League. Although the game provides a diverse cast of characters, it also provides a mostly online centric experience while lacking a playerbase to make it work. The graphics look relatively nice running on the Xbox Series X, however, the gameplay is extremely clunky and unrefined, especially when it comes to the awkward trigger-centric control scheme. The campaign is relatively non-existent and mostly serves as a tutorial to teach players important game mechanics. All-in-all, OverRide 2: Super Mech League is a disappointing brawler experience.

It was a valiant effort by Dontnod, but it missed the mark. Graphically beautiful but mechanically messy, Twin Mirror is a failed attempt at a psychological thriller. The worst disappointment, however, is that the game made me want to visit Basswood, which...doesn’t exist.

Overall, I had a ton of fun with Doom Eternal, even if the story is borderline incomprehensible to seasoned Doom Slayers. I look forward to more installments in the franchise if this is the level of quality we continue to get. Those platforming sections are truly awful, though.

Taiko no Tetsujin Rhymic Adventure Pack, while not outstanding, is a solid entry to the series. Fans of the franchise will enjoy the free play mode as usual. The newcomers can go for the RPG Adventure mode if hardcore drumming to get the perfect S rank for every song is just too daunting for them.

Let's Sing 2021 works as a party game, if everyone in your party has the same music taste and likes newer pop songs or if you like to set up your friends to fail. However, the lack of diversity in the playlist and the requirement to sing songs that you don't know to play many of the modes make this a less than ideal game for people outside of its target audience. The core idea is solid, but the weakness of the note charts and short song list make this a hard sell for me. I would like to see a themed version of this game with more accessible songs, for instance, something like Let's Sing: The 80s. However, as it is, I can't recommend this game outside of a narrow audience.

Although Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light is a classic in the Fire Emblem series, it's hard to recommend for modern audiences. The bare bones of what makes Fire Emblem great is here, but it's bogged down by outdated systems and the limitations of the original Famicom system. Although I appreciate that Nintendo wanted to preserve the original experience, I feel that they should have added more quality of life improvements to the game before releasing it. This game has already been remade for the DS as Shadow Dragon. I feel like it would have been better for Nintendo to have released that in a bundle with this original port. I can really only recommend this for hardcore Fire Emblem fans and those who have a great deal of patience for classic game mechanics.

Katamari Demacy: Reroll alludes to an age of game development where larger publishers were still willing to make risky, experimental titles. It may not upend the industry, and it may be relatively short, but this a game so confident in its own style and unique mode of play that it is hard to ignore its considerable charm. It has aged well because aside from its many sequels, no one has attempted to make anything else like it. And sometimes the music swells in a way that makes you forget you are an uncaring cosmic being creating space garbage to cover for your dad getting wasted and accidentally destroying the night sky. Katamari Demacy is the type of singular strangeness that should be experienced at least once.

The Call of the Sea is one of the better Lovecraftian games in recent memory, thanks to its art, writing, acting and subtle defiance of some well-worn mystery conventions. In general, its puzzles are accessible yet challenging and the story is well told and set in a refreshingly unfamiliar environment. Less passive than a typical walking simulator but still not an action game, The Call of the Sea should appeal to gamers that appreciate beautiful art and an engrossing mystery.

One of the biggest factors I always rate games on is whether they are fun to play. A game could be the most mechanically polished, gorgeous, epic game, but if I didn’t have much fun playing it, that would impact my score dramatically. So, while “fun” is entirely subjective, I just had absolutely no fun whatsoever with …If Found. As a side note: I completed this game is entirely under two hours. While that isn’t a problem for me personally, some gamers do make a cost benefit decision based upon length of content. So, it is something to be aware of.

Unto the End is a relatively short game that I completed in approximately six hours. Despite a few blemishes, it’s one that made me want to continually dig into, and when I finished it, I wanted more. So, I immediately played it through a second time. I don’t know if I can express how much I love having a bite-sized experience that isn’t a walking-simulator a roguelike. And I think I finally understand what fans of Soulslikes mean when they talk about rewarding those games are. Despite its minute size and minimalist appearance, Unto the End is a beautiful and substantive experience that rewards perseverance, calm nerves, and is absolutely worth your time.

Believe it or not, there is fun to be had in Cyberpunk 2077. Night City is an amazing place to explore and parts of the gameplay are kinda fun. But for all the promises and potential of a game that spent eight years in development, is this really it? The Witcher 3 managed to grow into a powerhouse of a game by the end of its lifecycle. Perhaps the same will be said about Cyberpunk 2077 in a year’s time? Maybe.

When the Past Was Around has beautiful art that I, also an illustrator, can really appreciate. However, the unfortunately jarring music and certain parts of the characterization fail to deliver the intended emotionality of the game. The story behind the sketchy, wordless narration is an important one but regrettably, the game doesn’t make it resonate in a way it matters.

While Tesla Force isn’t a showcase for the power of the new consoles, it is certainly at home on them and its bite-sized stages don’t outstay their welcome. Fans of twin stick shooters won’t be disappointed by Tesla Force either.

I want to love The Falconeer, and I do love it in a way, but I cannot recommend it. Despite the quality of its art style and the peacefulness that exudes when you fly over its endless ocean, it’s a tedious and plodding experience. Combat, which comprised the vast majority of the game’s runtime, is inaccurate and weightless, making all of your successes and failures feel arbitrary. And yet, the game makes you want to come back to it, as if by some ineffable witchcraft. I desperately wish this were a better game than it is, rather than an amazing looking game let down by its frustrating combat and boring sandbox experience.

If you've never played Dragon Quest XI, you can't go wrong picking up this enhanced version of the original game. The new content added on top of this already excellent game makes this a worthy addition to your game library. If you own the previous PS4 version, this is a great opportunity to revisit old friends and experience the game in a different way. If you're planning to play Dragon Quest XI, this is the version to buy.

In the end, Return to Shironagasu Island is a dull and disturbing visual novel for all the wrong reasons. When illustrations are nothing to shout about and the music sounds like it was recorded during playing lessons, I really can’t come up with any excuses for its existence. If I hadn’t reviewed the game, I would have stopped playing it after half an hour, but on behalf of you, dear readers, I suffered my way through it and I say, don’t you ever bother with it.

Ghostrunner is a game of exciting highs and extremely low lows. When its controls click, it offers a thrilling parkour platforming experience. But these moments aren’t worth contending with its frustrating combat and aggravating bugs. If you’re an enthusiast for first-person platformers and can overlook a glaring lack of polish, Ghostrunner may have some limited value. For all else, there are other genre titles more deserving of your time.

Overall, the game is fun and a worthy addition to the Resident Evil franchise. All it needs is a couple of tweaks and a dedicated fan base, and it could become one of the more popular Resident Evil games purely because of its endless replayability and fun factor.

There’s an expectation for next-gen remasters to be cash-grabs, but Bloober Team went beyond resolution upgrades. Observer: System Redux shares a similar release history with Blade Runner: a newer version releasing with extra content and impressive visual polishes. It doesn’t avoid all the pitfalls endemic of walking sims nor of this studio, but it deserves augmented respect like its closest inspiration eventually earned.

At its best, Spirit of the North Enhanced Edition is an atmospheric adventure set within an abandoned landscape that offers its fair share of challenges but little in the way of meaningful takeaways.

Full of bugs, glitches and a laundry list of elements that feel unfinished or outdated, it’s pretty hard to recommend Rune II: Decapitation Edition to anyone whose enjoyment depends on a quality experience. Players with a love of all things Viking and high tolerance for mediocrity might be able to find a few hours of fun in Rune II’s messy world, but most gamers would do better to spend their time and money elsewhere.

Overall, if you enjoy classic point-and-click adventure games then you just can’t go wrong here. The game even has a sequence where you are reduced to a truly classic adventure game. It can get pretty wild at times. If you’re like me and find point-and-click adventures rather frustrating, there is still a lot of enjoyment to be had. The focus on humor and some clever scenarios can really go a long way into making a genre more tolerable.

Kingdom Hearts fans will want to see the new story content and there’s likely enough content here to make them feel they got their money’s worth. Everyone else will be able to find a rhythm game more worthy of their time.

If you're looking for a challenge and love roguelikes, Shiren the Wanderer: The Tower of Fortune and the Dice of Fate is a good choice. Its deep gameplay can be really rewarding when you finally reach your goal. However, if you're looking for a calming and relaxing experience, you won't find it here.

While it’s a pleasure to sit on the sofa and meander through one’s epic theme park creation on the big screen, enjoying the sights and sounds of the rides, the crowds, the vendors and the scenery, actually building that park is still easier and vastly more efficient up close and personal on the PC with a mouse and keyboard. Frontier did a great job of bringing Planet Coaster to consoles and is easy to recommend. Just be prepared for a learning curve and a bit of frustration as you get the hang of building your dream park with the controller.

Against all odds (read: some big-name racing games that eventually turned out disappointing), Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered is the racing game to get this holiday season. It’s pure video gaming at its best with no extra thrills or frills other than serious pedal to the metal racing. It wisely focuses on what it does best and therefore drives to the finish line as a winner. The remaster doesn’t change the successful formula, only polishes it to meet the modern standards.

Overall, Cake Bash is a fun, simple game that the whole family will enjoy. The graphics are bright and colorful, and as someone who has a major sweet tooth this game made it really difficult to avoid raiding the cabinets for second dessert. If you’re hungry, don’t play this game; the detail in the frosting and cakes aren’t conducive to diet plans.

Sony Interactive Entertainment and Sumo Digital’s Sackboy: A Big Adventure on the Playstation 5 is a charming, vibrant, graphically astounding platformer that serves as a great entry into the genre for newcomers. However, more seasoned veterans of the platforming genre, who were just given the marvel that is Astro’s Playroom, might feel that the narrative and mechanics are quite simple and annoyingly familiar due to Sackboy: A Big Adventure clearly borrowing mechanics and level progression from iconic genre mainstays such as The Super Mario Brothers franchise.

Gears Tactics is certainly not without its issues, most notably in its mission structure, but nonetheless Splash Damage has created a very solid strategy game that offers a lengthy campaign, beautiful visuals, and fun gameplay mechanics that manage to stay true to the Gears of War franchise.

Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition is more Devil May Cry 5, one of the most gratifying, fun, and deep action games ever created. Now there’s just a few more toys to tinker with, and they’re more readily accessible than ever.

The world of Immortals: Fenyx Rising features plenty of things to keep you occupied as you rescue the gods and goddess of Mount Olympus. It’s not an especially deep game and after the first hour, you’ll have a pretty good idea of what to expect from the rest of the adventure. Breath of the Wild was fascinating because it left the player to figure things out on their own through experimentation. Immortals, on the other hand, can’t wait to show you everything it has to offer and will take the time to do so. And just when I started to feel weary and slipping into disinterest, I’d stumble onto a really fun Vault of Tartaros that served as a reminder that it’s the game’s inventive puzzles—not the boss fights, the witty commentary between Zeus and Prometheus, or the moving confessions of the gods—that make Immortals: Fenyx Rising a surprisingly delightful epic.

Despite the addition of the new skill trees, Borderlands 3 Season 2 pass is off to a very rocky start. Arms Race is feels like it needs much more time to evolve into something more substantial, and despite the skill trees being welcomed, I would rather see a brand new character being added for the price Gearbox asks for.. As a free update the Designer’s Cut would have been a nice addition to the game, but at the full price of $14.99 for the Designer’s Cut and $29.99 for the season 2 pass, I can’t currently recommend either to anyone besides hardcore Borderlands loyalist.

Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War offers a familiar package: a too-short campaign developed by a reputable studio and multiplayer that provides lots of activities to score points, earn weapon unlocks, and shoot other players. Despite the length, the campaign is a fun departure from the Tom Clancy-esque tone of mainline games. It leans heavily into the aesthetic of the 1980s, from fashion to real-world advertisements. Yeah, it’s kind of gross that Doritos earned prominent placement but at least Raven had the foresight to include vintage brand designs.

The combat feels great and this sort of game can be a real treat with friends. That’s a place where the game’s completely uninteresting story doesn’t really matter and where the repetition becomes more expected. Even then though, the game’s mission structure remains incredibly basic and the style while not completely unappealing certainly isn’t interesting. Fighting your way through these levels feels really good, but that can only sustain a game for so long, especially with this many issues. A certain type of player who really enjoys a good loot game and doesn’t care a bit about repetition will love Godfall but for everyone else, there are much better ways to break in your new video game system.

XIII Remake completely disgraces the original game by converting it into fodder for Internet memes. It’s better left to the digital wasteland of unfortunate titles that should have never existed. If you really want to play XIII as it was intended, dust off your old PlayStation 2 (or GameCube or Xbox) and scavenge garage sales for a copy of the game.

It’s a fun stealth-action open-world hacking game, but it’s one that falls under its own weight in many ways. With the technical problems of the Xbox One version smoothed out and enhancements to the visuals and performance across the board, I can much more easily recommend the Xbox Series X version but that doesn’t fix the core design problems. Watch Dogs: Legion is incredibly impressive, but only insomuch as it is flawed. Thankfully, there is still a competent third-person open-world game at its core.

Valhalla is equipped with a number of gameplay systems that clearly echo the last two games and while positive tweaks and light refinements have been made, the overall experience feels overly familiar by now. What Valhalla lacks in originality, however, the visceral and fun combat makes up the deficit and that speaks volumes to me as a longtime fan. Packed with enough content on the disc and planned future DLC, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is another hefty and captivating entry in Ubisoft’s long running historical franchise.

Obviously, PS5 and XSX versions of the game will look better but that doesn’t change the shallow gameplay. The recent Project Cars 3 was too arcadey for its own good and DiRT 5 follows on the same easygoing tracks. The game is just too meh all around. Winning races is always fun but if you don’t need to put any effort to it, it just isn’t all that rewarding or exciting. If you want your racing games easy-peasy, then go for DiRT 5 but those who crave for some real challenge are better off sticking to other, better titles.

While the few times the game seems to simply abandon you to figure out things it hasn’t explained well are still here, almost every other complaint I had with the PS4 version has been fixed. With one of the more unexpectedly interesting narratives I’ve come across in recent years and deeply inventive puzzle gameplay, there’s a lot to like here in a package that isn’t too short but also manages to not overstay its welcome. I made some great friends on Snaktooth Island and I think you will too, especially if you’re playing on the PS5.

My love for the original Demon’s Souls hasn’t changed with the introduction of the remake. Like Scholar of the First Sin, the remake stands alongside the original - both can be enjoyed in their own unique ways and do different things well. Since Bluepoint largely kept the base game intact, the changes in the remake are mainly quality of life improvements and aesthetic design differences. Most gamers will find a lot to love in the new Demon’s Souls. I'm excited that more people will get to experience this wonderful game.

Of course, every console launch has a few hits and a few misses and ports that feel like cash-grabs. If Bright Memory was a free game, it would be easier to recommend. As even a low-price game, it is hard to sell as representing the power of the new console. If anything, it might be responsible for a little buyer remorse, so my suggestion would be to skip this port and wait for Bright Memory: Infinite in 2021.

Pikmin 3 Deluxe is the best version of the best game in this series. I missed my map at times, but the new additions more than makeup for having to pull it up when needed. If you’ve already played the original version though, there probably isn’t enough here to justify purchasing the game again unless you really love playing co-op. For any gamer who missed it the first time though, Pikmin 3 Deluxe is one of the best games released in 2020.

It’s hard to say when the games overall strayed into paths so unfortunately tainted by violence and blood, but to me, The Pathless is what video games are essentially about; flights into fantastical worlds like no other media could do. It is meditative escapism at its finest. Not all games need to be motion captured tragedies or realistic violence simulations. Of course, I enjoy those games now and then, too, but to detox all their pain and suffering I need something like The Pathless.

Although I enjoyed my time with Part Time UFO, the later levels crossed the line from challenging to frustrating due to the physics and time limit in the game. It’s best enjoyed in short bursts of gameplay to minimize the frustration. That being said, if you like previous HAL games and physics-based puzzle games, I think you'll enjoy Part Time UFO. It's well-made and entertaining, just ultimately not my cup of tea.

Overall, Angry Video Game Nerd Adventures I & II Deluxe is a great time. It is also one of the few “difficult” games I have ever 100% completed (obtaining all the pointless collectibles, etc). While it is disappointing that a lot of the funny content and nods to the Nerd’s past was cut, it doesn’t overall negatively impact the game. These are still fun games, and I highly recommend them to any 2D platformer fan. Even if you have no idea who the Angry Video Game Nerd is, there is still a lot of fun to be had here based on pure gameplay alone.

Granted, when you’re as intelligent and debonnaire as Poirot, humility is beneath you. Where this adventure mystery game lacks in technique, it excels in creativity, humor, and puzzles. As a librarian who enjoys puzzles and escape rooms, Agatha Christie: The ABC Murders is an excellent nightcap to round out my day.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon is ultimately a masterclass in pacing and storytelling with an fabulously gorgeous backdrop, welcome combat shake-up, and a cast of extremely affable characters, especially the newcomer Ichiban Kasuga.

Despite its admittedly numerous faults, I found Broken Porcelain unique and strangely appealing in its own peculiar way. I also have to admire the game’s author’s sincere passion for his vision. Despite the pervasive element of horror, there is an endearing and a bit naïve spunk to the game. Make no mistake, you will fall and fumble through the game but if you endure it all just like troubled Jennifer herself, you will get a glimpse of something true and beautiful in Remothered’s warped and flawed world. This one is only for acquired tastes but its bittersweet flavor has a faint bouquet of organic blossom.

While long loading times and occasional situations where the game’s plethora of information goes as missing as Elizabert can be annoying, Bugsnax is ultimately a wonderful experience. With one of the more unexpectedly interesting narratives I’ve come across in recent years and deeply inventive puzzle gameplay, there’s a lot to like here in a package which isn’t too short but also manages to not overstay its welcome. I made some great friends on Snaktooth Island and I think you will too.

What Valhalla lacks in originality the visceral and fun combat makes up the deficit—and that speaks volumes to me given that Assassin’s Creed never quite found its footing in this area. Packed with enough content on the disc and planned future DLC, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is another hefty and captivating entry in Ubisoft’s long-running historical franchise.

Look, I’m blown away by this game. It can absolutely compete with the platforming greats, and I’m including Mario in that comment. It’s that good. It doesn’t overstay its welcome and it doesn’t overuse mechanics or reuse stages. It’s a very refined and beautiful world that I think is a tremendous introduction to the Playstation 5 and the Dual Sense controller. But even if it was neither of those things, Astro’s Playroom is a great platforming game that I’d still highly recommend.

Without repeating myself and filling up pages and pages on what this game is and how it accomplishes what it set out to do, let me wrap up by saying regardless of this being a PlayStation 5 launch title, it is a phenomenal game. I’m not all that steeped into the Spider-Man lore but when I finished this game I turned to my spouse and said, “I don’t want another Spider-Man game, I want Spider-Man 2 to be a Miles Morales adventure.” This character, this world, is what I’m here for and I hope to be swinging as Miles again soon because this first entry is something truly special.

It’s clear that Foregone struggles to define itself within the genre on a surface level. In practice, however, the complementary elements and design choices mesh in a way that makes it feel quite unique. It is unlikely to evoke passion from those who already dislike the genre, but there is enough value to justify giving it a shot simply for the fluidity of its gameplay.

It’s a real shame that I was disappointed by Little Hope because otherwise it’s an impressive piece of audiovisual excellence and I just love its genre. If you like Charlie Kaufman’s movies (which I don’t), you may perhaps appreciate the ending better than I did. It remains a mystery why Supermassive Games have degenerated their interactive storytelling formula by restricting players’ influence over events.

There are many gamers, I’m certain, who will not only enjoy Ghostrunner’s challenges but be perfectly happy with its demanding and repetitive mechanics. I enjoy challenge, too, but I also want to learn from my mistakes and maybe even succeed the first time around. Ghostrunner is a well-made game with a very specific intention, and there are players for whom this title will be Nirvana. Just not me.

Its art design is excellent, its pacing is spot-on and it has a light-hearted approach to its dark-themed subject that consistently takes real menace out of the premise. Pumpkin Jack’s combat my lack the depth of many ARPGs, but the game is short enough that this never becomes a problem. Although it is a Halloween-flavored game, there’s no reason not to enjoy it any time of the year.

While it would be nice if I Am Dead's characters were as layered as the town of Shelmertston, the game still mostly succeeds as a unique puzzle experience with some excellent environmental storytelling. It is rewarding to explore this space while magnifying and cross-cutting its details, a constant stream of small discoveries coming into view as you deduce the location of the next hidden memento. Every corner of this seaside village brims with picturesque detail, creating a small town that feels genuinely interconnected. And while the game's pleasant tone keeps things from ever getting truly heavy, it undeniably makes for a thoroughly charming time.

Overall, this is a fantastic "End of Saga" title, as Falcom calls it, even if the Trails name lives on (I'd still love to see the rest of the series localized in the West). Fans of the series certainly don't need a review to tell them this, but if you happen to be checking this game out for the first time, oh boy, hopefully, you know what you're getting into now! Welcome back to Erebonia, everyone!

If you’re looking for a roguelike with personality and wit, Going Under may surprise you. Mechanically, it won’t blow you away, but with so much character on display, this is one internship worth taking.

If you’re a fan of Ubisoft’s open-world design, then you’ll enjoy this game to an extent, but there’s little done here that Watch Dogs 2 didn’t do as well or more so in 2016. It’s a fun stealth-action open-world hacking game, but it’s one that falls under its own weight in many ways. So please, do not play the Xbox One S version. Like the first Watch Dogs, it over promises, under preforms, and this soon-to-be previous-generation version will be forgotten quickly.

Cloudpunk has a lot of character and charm going for it. The voice acting is well done, the design of the city is great, the ambient sound design is absolutely fantastic, and the rainy atmosphere is wonderfully evocative. Such joys were sadly short-lived in the aftermath of losing all my progress because of a mysterious bug that I have no idea how to reproduce and avoid. There’s nothing worse than having a game break down in such a way that pretty much kills all enthusiasm and motivation to keep playing. Cloudpunk is a really neat piece of software and if you’re keen to try it yourself, I strongly recommend waiting until it gets the necessary patches.

Echtra Games’ Torchlight 3 is a lighthearted fun experience with some extremely nuanced character classes and varied build options. Spending hours grinding through dungeons decimating hordes of enemies, either solo or online, just doesn’t ever get old. The jovial attitude of characters and bright color palette help this dungeon crawler stand out amongst others in the genre. It is a truly appreciated deviation from the typical dark and gritty tone players are conventionally provided with. The post-game content is constantly updated and new legendary gear is being added to the game every week. If you are looking for a game to hold you over until the release of next-gen in a couple of weeks, I would definitely recommend checking out Torchlight 3 for an outrageously fun, hack and slash, dungeon crawler.