Mindcop is an entertaining noir detective game that is a welcome addition to a coveted genre of other great titles. Its three-dimensional characters have enough dilemmas and conflicts to make you stray off the case and dig into their own backstories. The writing has a profound balance between melancholy and humor that it will occasionally sprinkle in some wholesome beats. Despite the time management mechanic being somewhat harsh on your actions, Mindsurf and Sea of Thoughts are two gameplay components that make the experience understandable and easy to manage for casual players. Regardless of its few flaws, those are far outweighed by the creative gameplay, unique art style, and strong writing, which tie everything together wonderfully.

As it stands now, STALKER 2 is fun and has a lot of potential, but it would be unfair to call it good. You can easily sink 100 hours into it without noticing, especially if you have a deep love for previous iterations. However, the performance issues, overall inconsistency in many areas, and clumsy presentation will hold this game back until a major overhaul comes.

A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead is a great horror game in a vacuum, but it is held back by trying to double as a quasi-adaptation. The brilliant mechanics and environment can distract you from its shortcomings most of the time, but it periodically reminds you that this could have been so much more. The foundations are well laid out though, and if Stormind can improve the storytelling and optimization, any sequel to this would earn an easy 9/10 rating.

Despite many improvements over the original, it's hard to recommend Planet Coaster 2 to absolutely everyone. The lack of previous themes and other minor issues make Planet Coaster 2 less complete than one would hope. That said, as a deeply crafted and detailed sandbox, Planet Coaster 2 still shines in similar ways to the original, such as the coaster editor that allows you to create any coaster you could ever want. At its core, Planet Coaster will make some ask if enough changes were made to improve the sandbox or if it's just the same Planet Coaster with some new bells and whistles.

While Aeternum doesn't do anything to avoid the pitfalls inherent to the MMORPG genre, it lessens their impact with flexibility and smart multiplayer mechanics. The Grind falls to the wayside while dynamic, fast-paced gameplay takes center stage. Married with a setting that diverges from MMO predecessors, New World: Aeternum offers an experience that will keep players invested, and enjoying the whole ride.

Mario & Luigi: Brothership is a colorful and exuberant new entry in the RPG series. It offers dynamic and fun combat, some decent humor, and a surprising amount of replay value in branching choices and side quests. Despite that, there are some poorly implemented features, such as the Battle Plugs and Power Tap, as well as the sometimes glacial pacing of the adventure. Still, fans of turn-based RPGs will absolutely find something worthwhile in this Switch exclusive.

While Magical Delicacy can deliver cozy vibes, it drops the magic ball on almost everything else. The platforming isn't fun, cooking doesn't feel satisfying, and the main gameplay loop boils down to doing fetch quests for NPCs just to get a few extra bits of story and a generic upgrade. Both the cooking and platforming sides work against each other, and everything lacks polish, especially the animations. It's a fundamentally flawed experience with a clashing visual identity, with a great soundtrack and pleasant story being the main saving graces.

Dragon Quest III HD-2D is unapologetically a remake made for long-time series fans. Anyone looking for a faithful representation of the classic game with updated graphics will get precisely that. The addition of Ortega's backstory is mildly interesting, but it doesn't elevate the story, which remains extremely basic. Gameplay and exploration remain the highlights of Dragon Quest III HD-2D and will provide hours of enjoyment for turn-based RPG enthusiasts. While it might serve as an entry point for newcomers to the franchise, its mechanics stand in contrast to what many expect from a contemporary RPG, potentially deterring them within a few hours.

Closing Thoughts: It won't blow your socks off, but Mind Over Magnet will at least loosen your legwear with its incredible understanding of game design fundementals, a magnet gimmick that feels fresh, solid visuals that serve the gameplay perfectly, and music that I could listen to for hours. It won't last you too long, and it doesn't try to do anything super out of the ordinary, but it's a short and sweet game that hits a home run for every ball it's batting at.

Songs of Silence is a solid strategy game that does enough to make a name for itself in a crowded genre. Through its addicting army management, unique card system mixed with real-time combat, and fantastic Skirmish Mode, it's hard not to come away satisfied. However, the game's Campaign mode doesn't consistently deliver and has frustrating balancing issues that work against it, resulting in lost momentum and an exhausting state of tedium.

Metro Awakening is a VR outing that does the Metro series proud. With a story and setting that adds further depth to Dmitry Glukhovsky's magnum opus, incredible visual and sound design, and a wealth of mechanics that represent the Metro staples, this title is a tense, gripping and action-packed blast for VR fanatics. It is a title that focuses a little too much on the survival aspects, meaning the horror is less affecting, and the core gunplay is far from the best the medium has ever produced. But all in all, Metro Awakening is a seminal VR hit that proves that VR is far from a dying fad, and still has a wealth of intriguing experiences to offer.

Black Ops 6 is to Call of Duty what Battlefield 3 was to its series, something new that finally offered an alternative to a repetitive formula. Now, it is up for Activision and Treyarch to build on it. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is not the best Call of Duty release. Depending on who you ask, it may not even be the best Black Ops game. That said, in a world where the series has become synonymous with overpriced, cheap multiplayer combat and vapid campaigns, Black Ops 6 is a breath of fresh air. This game will go down in history one way or another. It is either the last good Call of Duty made, or the first of a new era with good titles again. Treyarch has a long way to go if a sequel is to be called great, but for the first time in a decade, Call of Duty may have a future again.

Rivals of Aether II gives fans of the genre a lot to love, with the promise of even more on the way, and the game is constantly getting patches and improving. If it offered a proper story mode and slightly more intuitive mechanics on top of cleaning up the skins for clarity's sake, it would be up there with the best fighting games ever. It feels incredible to play, the music is awesome, and the visuals are some of the most unique in the industry without feeling like they're compromising for frame rate. If you're a fan of Smash Bros. gameplay, you owe it to yourself to give Rivals of Aether II a shot, but you should know that it's still a work in progress, even after release.

Despite its shortcomings, Life is Strange: Double Exposure is a promising gift for fans. Its dark mystery narrative requires you to keep track of two separate timelines at most intervals. But there's enough breathing room to enjoy the usual heartfelt moments of the series. Although the final chapter parallels the first game's events in a way, it sets up an unexpected follow-up sequel, leaving much to be desired from its characters. On the plus side, the series' staple elements, from the soundtrack to the puzzle-solving sections, are executed perfectly. Deck Nine could've handled the Max and Chloe dynamic more appropriately, but there's still enough fan service that most Life is Strange fans will adore this game.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a compelling new entry in the series, taking the franchise in a new direction with more RPG-lite ideals. This decision will alienate Die Hard fans but will undoubtedly win favor with new fans willing to embrace the series. Veilguard has a fantastic tale to tell, a stunning fantasy setting to explore, a lovable cast of characters, and a dynamic three-prong combat system that offers smooth Archery, melee, and RTS mechanics. The side content and some visual details leave much to be desired, but overall, this big swing by Bioware might just usherin a fruitful new age for Dragon Age.

Super Mario Party Jamboree is an excellent party game, and compares well with previous titles in the franchise. While remaining true to the nostalgic formula, minor tweaks, improvements, and new game modes help it rise above the series' modern releases to shine as a Super Star. Even if you have either of the previous Mario Party games for Switch, Jamboree is worth considering.

Romance of the Three Kingdoms 8 Remake very much feels like a 2000s game, which has been respectfully updated with improved presentation. Unfortunately, its gameplay has not withstood the test of time. Built upon an engaging turn-based gameplay loop, this game quickly becomes repetitive—even tedious—because it plays the same scenes over and over. Compared to the variety of events in modern grand strategy games, it's difficult to recommend this one. However, if you're a history enthusiast or a Dynasty Warriors fan curious about the strategy genre, this game may be for you.

Alongside a lovingly remastered Sonic Generations showcase, Shadow Generations is a dark and broody triumph that not only pays homage to the cult classic outing of yester-year for the troubled hedgehog, but also irons out all the aspects that fans didn't quite take to, effectively giving Shadow the do-over they deserve. It's a fast-paced and fluid Sonic title with great new mechanics, a tonne of replayability, and just the right amount of challenge. The fact that this is a short experience will irk a few, as will the lack of crossover between the two games, but all in all, Sonic x Shadow Generations is yet another strong Sonic outing that proves the dark days for the franchise may well be behind us.

Shattered Space is just more of what Starfield couldn’t deliver. Although its focused, single-location experience and engaging quests provide a refreshing change, its overall lackluster quality proves that no updates or expansions can truly transform Starfield. While moments of brilliance remain, and Shattered Space does add some memorable moments to the pile, it's a DLC that ensures that Starfield doesn't go out with a bang like a Supernova, but rather fades into the vacuum of space without so much as a whimper.

This is an honest entry into football gaming, the kind you can buy this year and enjoy for two, or three seasons, or however long it takes for EA Sports to add new features worth checking out. Career Mode remains a far cry from Football Manager, and the licensing situation might as well have changed the series name to "European Football 25". Odds are it will not get better for a while. FC 25 is like watching football: a mix of great moments, frustration, and occasionally asking yourself "Why did I put two hours into this". The answer is that FC 25, like football, is just good fun.

Drawing on decades of inspiration, Beyond Galaxyland is a heartfelt love-letter to the JRPG genre. Although the game can't quite escape its predecessors' long shadow, it shines more brightly than many of its peers. The synthesis of gameplay elements from Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy to Paper Mario and Pokémon makes this a must-play for genre enthusiasts, and worthy of consideration by other gamers. Increased difficulty in New Game Plus adds to Beyond Galaxyland's replayability, while an interesting story helps it stand out from among other JRPGs.

The Plucky Squire is both a familiar and predictable, and gorgeously ambitious and creative title. At its best, it's a dimension-hopping romp with excellent meta-writing, standout set-pieces and mini-games, and undeniably creative puzzle mechanics. However, the game does suffer from an aggressively accessible approach, which makes the moment-to-moment combat and exploration feel like a derivative Zelda-clone at times. Plus, each puzzle mechanic feels like an intriguing concept that has not developed to its full potential. That being said, The Plucky Squire is an undeniably feel-good and wholesome indie title deserving of your time and attention, and while some minor bugs need to be ironed out, the trade-off for the seamless blend of 2D and 3D is well worth it. It may be the best 2D/3D mash-up since Fez. High praise indeed.

Enotria: The Last Song is a Souls-like experience that takes a lot of big swings, and while there are a few hiccups along the way, a lot of these risks pay off. The freedom to experiment with builds, plan ahead with pre-set Loadouts, and take on the roles of your fallen enemies are all standout features that set this title apart. Which Enotria backs up with impressive visuals, a compelling Italian folklore-inspired world, and several memorable bosses. Sadly, performance issues, a lack of genuine, consistent challenge, and some systems that flatter to deceive stop this game from being a truly iconic game within the sub-genre, but when the curtain closes, and the actors take their final bow, I feel plenty in the audience will be throwing roses and applauding regardless.

Lorelei and the Laser Eyes is a surreal and mysterious puzzle game that executes perfectly on its vision. A potential all-timer for fans of the genre.

Animal Well is a masterclass in puzzle design, with tight platforming, set in a beautiful, oftentimes perilous world. It's actually at its weakest when it's just a Metroidvania, and instead, its world and the genre serve as a way to deliver some of the most intricate, interconnected puzzles of any game I've ever played.

Tales of Kenzera: ZAU never felt like it overstayed its welcome nor was it ever loaded with bulk and fluff to make up for its 8-12 hour playtime. While there are plenty of collectibles, a trinket system to unlock abilities and upgrade benches, its most important feature is its story and, coupled with the undertone of mental health struggles in the face of grief, Bantu mythology, an incredible score, and next-level art design makes this amazing debut title remarkably different to anything else on the market.

For all its shortcomings, it is a fun little multiplayer combat game that's best enjoyed with friends, which is what it set out to be. Just don't expect The Stick of Truth 2.

Dragon's Dogma 2 offers an incredible Fantasy adventure with some of the most engaging open-world exploration I've experienced.

A stunningly designed game and a delight to explore with a fantastic cast and puzzles galore, although it can suffer from the occasional framerate issues and fewer monsters than I had hoped. Reviewed on PS5.

Way more than just an annual roster update, WWE 2K24 chronicles the history of sports entertainment's biggest even with its 40 Years of WrestleMania showcase, but it also shines in a massively improved GM mode and four brand new match types.

Helldivers 2 delivers a streamlined, premium experience, features some of the most satisfying space marine-style combat I've ever played.

Solium Infernum is a truly satisfying political strategy game with a ton of unique systems to allow you to scheme and backstab to your heart's content.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth masterfully continues the story of Remake. Acting as both a remake and sequel to the original game, Rebirth carves its own identity by deepening and expanding one of the most beloved stories in gaming. Its move toward the open-world format is expertly done and creates a near-perfect experience for fans both old and new.

Bandle Tale is the full package — a fully realised world with a brain-tickling gameplay loop and fantastic visual design. It's one of the best 'cosy' games out there.

Some of its best moments can only be appreciated by those willing to put in the extra time, which is both a rewarding and unfortunate reality, as not everyone will be able to experience the best the game offers with a single playthrough. But if you have the patience to persevere through some minor shortcomings and a couple of playthroughs, your understanding and appreciation for this game will no doubt mature from a freshly sprouted sapling to a towering conifer.

The endgame presents dynamic challenges, which will have you playing for hours. But uneven character leveling and a slight disruption in party dynamics emerge as drawbacks. Regardless, Granblue Fantasy: Relink features a captivating world and engaging progression loop that make it a journey worth undertaking.

Persona 3 Reload is a captivating reimagining of the genre-defining RPG, reborn for the modern era with cutting-edge graphics and gameplay.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is full of content for anyone willing to sink into the beautiful island of Hawaii. While its main story may take a while to boil, and never feels quite as good as the side stories, Ichiban's adventures always entertain and delight.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is an excellent new entry in this iconic franchise, and a great entry point for new Metroidvania fans (while still offering plenty of challenge for veterans of the genre). The traversal and combat feel incredibly satisfying, and the story offers an exciting adventure you don't want to miss.

Marvel’s Iron Man VR is a decent game, no matter where you play it, though I would argue that the Meta Quest 2 version is perhaps the best way to play thanks to its ease of use and cleaner visuals. The intuitive controls, fun aerial combat, and some quality presentation make for a heroic effort by developer Camouflaj, and a worthy addition to any Quest 2 library.

While it's nowhere near a perfect game, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is an open-world adventure that fans of the franchise will love. DualShockers was provided with a copy of the game for review purposes.

Ultimately, this is an easy game to recommend if you like RPGs that put their narrative forward and build their characters in meaningful ways. It may not find a home in everyone’s collections, but it will be a shining star for fans of the setting who appreciate a narrative focus.

Persona 5 Tactica takes a while to really get going, but once it does, you'll have no choice but to stick around for the ride.

Despite its flaws, I can’t deny that I had a great time walking in the shoes of Kiryu. I enjoyed the story, the exciting combat, and the thrilling action. While I may have finished the main story, I’ll be going back for more side content to see what I may have missed along the way. While the combat may not demand a high investment from its players, there’s no denying that the deeper you dig, the more you get. This is a game that rewards its players for high levels of engagement but doesn’t punish the casual player just along for the ride. Whether you’re a true blue fan or a newcomer to the series, there’s a lot to enjoy about Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name.

Fan service it may be, but RoboCop: Rogue City does just enough to stand up on its own merits. There's not a lot of depth to it, and it retreads a lot of old ground, but the charm just about shines through.

Song of Nunu is a cosy platformer that will delight League of Legends fans, but lacks the substance to resonate with non-fans.

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 perfectly captures the superhero experience from start to finish without sacrificing smart, thoughtful storytelling.

EA Sports UFC 5 looks and feels great on the Frostbite engine, but under that new coat of paint is the same old gameplay we've had for the last 3 years.

Ghostrunner 2 is a perfectly executed cyberpunk slasher, providing an unmatched level of fluidity, engaging combat and a robust narrative.

Despite the technical imperfections (which Paradox has acknowledged), Cities Skylines 2 is still a masterfully crafted jewel in the crown of the city-building genre. There isn't anything else that can match it for breadth or depth right now. This is still the best way to build the city of your dreams.

All said, you're getting a lot of bang for your buck with Forza Motorsport, and as it stands, I just don't know how Turn 10 can up the ante on the next one.

Mineko's Night Market is an adorable and exciting Simulation game following the titular character, Mineko, as she navigates her new life in Mt. Fugu with her father, and her search for the mysterious, legendary cat, Nikko. The game features highly-addictive crafting and mini-games, as well as small puzzles to solve in order to take down the Agents taking over the town.

So does Mortal Kombat 1 live up to its hype? Absolutely. Despite how short the story is, it is a great story nonetheless, and beyond that is lots of single-player content that will keep you coming back day after day. And of course, the finishing moves are bloodier and grittier than ever before. This is an entry that I can't recommend enough.

With its captivating story, layered characters brought to life by stellar acting, incredible visuals and environments, refined combat, and some of the most varied quests in the Cyberpunk 2077 world, Phantom Liberty continues CDPR's tradition of delivering some of the finest add-ons ever.

A beautifully realized gothic soulslike with a satisfying gameplay loop and gorgeous horror visuals., Lies of P is an absolutely fantastic game with gripping action and a wonderfully dark setting. Its mix of seemingly disparate ideas is genre fusion that's just bizarre enough to work. It's no lie to say that Lies of P is a great time.

Starfield is a triumph for Bethesda, but even more so for every human who ever dreamt of a destiny born in the stars.

Baldur's Gate 3 is a masterfully crafted RPG that improves on every aspect of Larian's past work, and is a worthy successor to the series.

A beautiful homage to the JRPG genre that still manages to stand on its own, while taking care to let go of all the annoying gimmicks that plagued JRPGs in the past.

A beautiful homage to the JRPG genre that still manages to stand on its own, while taking care to let go of all the annoying gimmicks that plagued JRPGs in the past. Played on PS5.

A beautiful, dark, and atmospheric game set in one of the most alluring Souls-like game settings of recent years that hits too many of the same notes as its predecessor to have quite the same impact.

Stray Gods is a revolutionary visual novel without peer, and even if you're not really into that genre, musical theater, or the Greek pantheon, I couldn't recommend it more.

All in all, the mechanical issues—particularly being forced to walk through empty dungeons over and over again—really killed the hype I was feeling at the start of this game, which is a shame, because there are some great moments here. Toss in a world map, a minimap, and most importantly, a fast-travel feature, and this game would be leaps and bounds ahead of what it is. Still, if you don't mind the monotony and you've got a nostalgic love for Golden Era wrestling, WrestleQuest might be worth a look.

A delightful co-op adventure set on an island brought beautifully to life by hand-drawn illustrations.

Remnant: From The Ashes was a game with massive potential that struggled under the weight of its own ambition. Remnant 2 realizes that potential and then some. Lessons have obviously been learned from last time around, and what we have here is a confident, unique experience that delivers on what it promises. I'll be playing this one for a long time to come.

A narrative game that makes you reflect on the real world and your place in it is always a blessing, and in my view, Frank and Drake accomplishes what it sets out to do. It's a game with a lot of heart.

nDreams has once again proven itself to be a master VR studio by pulling another banger from the top shelf. With plenty of playable hours, a rewarding earn-die-try-again loop, and a visual flair that takes some getting used to, Synapse is a must-play on PSVR 2.

A cathartic conclusion that will satisfy fans of Trails' dungeon crawling experience.

A decent first outing for All Elite Wrestling, but lacks the game modes and customization options to really hang with the heavyweights.

C-Smash VRS takes a swing that doesn't quite connect. There's fun to be had for those who persevere, but mostly in the online modes which, sadly, are already looking barren.

Pixel Ripped 1978 sticks close to the formula that has kept the series more relevant than the games it pays homage to, and that's not a bad thing. Full of quirky fun and many nostalgic throwbacks to the days of Atari, there's plenty here but more so for the older folks who were around when wood-panel finishes were all the rage.

A vividly arresting mystery adventure soaked in ambiance, personality, and a seemingly limitless imaginative streak.

Oxenfree 2 may lack the surprises and 'WTF' factor of the original game, but the older protagonists and solid writing make this return to the Pacific Northwest worthwhile.

A decent first outing for All Elite Wrestling, but the game lacks the game modes and customization options to really hang with the heavyweights.

Final Fantasy 16 is an excellent entry in the series, with a gripping story, thrilling combat, nuanced characters, and an ever-charming protagonist in Clive.

Bloober Team's bundle of horror returns, with impressive graphics and solid scary moments, but clumsy storytelling and technical issues dampen the series' curtain call.

The Street Fighter franchise might have been out for the count last generation, but Street Fighter 6 puts it back on its feet and back into the ring in style; it's a series comeback if ever I’ve seen one. Determined not to stay on the sidelines, Street Fighter 6 is poised to be the definitive fighting game for the next generation.

Sure, its lackluster story is made up for by its perfectly built tension and horrifying atmosphere, but a more in-depth story, some more thought-provoking puzzles, and refined visuals could have made for one of the most horrifying experiences in gaming.

Diablo 4 improves upon nearly every core gameplay mechanic from Diablo 3 while introducing a few great quality-of-life features that make this journey to Sanctuary the best yet. While some of the quest systems seem dated, the main story is delivered beautifully, breathing new life into the series.

Given its development problems, the fact that System Shock is a functional, stable game is a mini-miracle, but by sticking so rigidly to the original's ancient design it will appeal more to series fans than newcomers.

Tears of the Kingdom is a remarkable sequel. Not only does it improve on every single aspect of Breath of the Wild, but it expands the characters, locations, and setting in new and exciting ways. It provides the most ridiculous toolset imaginable that at every turn has left me astonished at what I’m able to achieve.

Jedi: Survivor offers a deep story, thrilling combat, and exciting exploration, and despite some technical issues that drag it down, it's still my new favorite Star Wars game. DualShockers was provided with a copy of the game for review purposes.

Redfall is an open-world shooter where you can creep through a spooky mansion alone at night, then link up with some friends to take on a giga-vampire in another dimension. It's weird, and it's the right kind of weird.

Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores is a fantastic follow-up to the base game, offering a great new storyline, a beautiful area to explore, and the best boss fight in the series. It's a must-play for Horizon fans.

Minecraft Legends is an action-strategy game that doesn't take itself too seriously, making it an easy game to hop into, while simultaneously lacking the depth to keep hardcore fans of the strategy genre coming back. The extra Monthly Challenge and PvP modes add some much-needed variety that helps compensate for the main campaign's shortcomings. Ultimately, Legends has a great foundation for future updates and is a good game to play over a long weekend.

Dead Island 2 is a worthy successor to the zombie-slaying games that came before it and breathes new life into the franchise long-thought dead. DualShockers was provided with a copy of the game for review purposes.

Have a Nice Death is an absolutely fantastic time. Whilst the anima system and some lacking curses are enough of a nuisance to be noticeable, they don’t overshadow the rest of the game’s excellent qualities. Not only is it one of the best looking games I've ever played, but its roguelike loop provides a perfect base of simplicity that acts as a foundation for crunchy, fast-paced fights. The game both indulges the power fantasy of acting out the unstoppable will of Death itself whilst providing a suitably tough experience that forces strategy and rewards learning about each opponent.

Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist Of The End & The Secret Key closes out the final chapter of Ryza’s trilogy with a powerful send-off. The addictive gameplay loop and fine-tuned crafting system will keep you entertained for dozens of hours. It expands upon what worked well in the first two entries while setting the standard for future Atelier games to come.

While not as challenging as its predecessors, the newest addition to the Bayonetta canon establishes itself as a playful and worthy entry.

Resident Evil 4 Remake asks the bold question of whether you can perfect what many already consider perfection. While fairly competent at the basics, Capcom's latest remake has the least creative energy of its series revivals, leaving you wanting for much more.

All in all, WWE2K23 is a great game with something to offer to every WWE fan past and present, no matter what your playstyle. With branching storylines and multiple sandbox modes that let you book and play whatever the hell kind of cards you can come up with, the replayability factor is off the charts. If anything 2K and Visual Concepts have shot themselves in the foot, because it's not going to be easy to top this entry in the series once the next installment rolls around.

With a confusing setup, a really poor user interface, at times abysmal presentation, and a Career Mode that offers no meaningful progression, Fernbus Simulator should stay back in the garage and let the more capable sims hit the road.

Destiny 2: Lightfall offers an action-packed campaign that feels more like a filler story than an essential narrative. It also presents extremely well-designed levels, enemies, and combat loops, as well as several overhauls and improvements to the game's core systems.

Romancelvania is a great visual novel trapped inside a Metroidvania that bites off more than it can chew.

This re-release of the 2007 Wii horror game has echoes of what make this classic horror series great, but is stifled by a lumbering pace, cumbersome controls, and lack of genuine scares.

Blood Bowl 3 is the type of game that makes people say things like, “I’ll wait until it’s on sale” or, “maybe this will be good in a year or two.” Now, I don’t work in publishing, but it seems to me like that’s the opposite of what you want when you’re releasing a game that’s so blatantly predatory in its monetization. What I don’t understand is why the game was delayed for two years only to launch in this abysmal state. Maybe in another two years, this game will actually be playable. For now, stick to Blood Bowl 2 instead.

No matter how disappointed I am with the game and myself after each "Crushing Defeat," I find myself wanting to go back and play again, even if it's just to build up relationships with Liu Bei and Sun Jian, unlock their armor sets and weapons, grind for levels and new spells and, maybe some day, finally get to use that wizard's house key. It doesn't excuse the faults, and I will die (quickly and repeatedly) on the hill that it would be vastly improved by adding difficulty settings, but if you're a fan of the Three Kingdoms and (not or) extreme difficulty, Wo Long may be a good fit for you. And if it's not, Hell, there's always Dynasty Warriors.

Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe not only got me as giddy as a youngster in a candy shop, but was a solid reminder that, with a bit of pure imagination and innovation, Nintendo could still expand upon the worlds of existing IP, especially its pink pudgy ones.

Prime Remastered is a successful experiment in gaming perspectives and a paragon of how to improve on an already excellent game. I can only hope that subsequent Prime titles are given the luxurious remaster treatment. As of this writing, it's the most beautiful game I've played on the Switch, which is quite bold considering that I've also played Legend of Zelda: Breathe of the Wild. After all, the world of Metroid itself wasn’t anything original, but it was the new way of seeing things that made all the difference.