As Dusk Falls has a strong start and players will find the game hard to put down for the first two chapters, like a great binge-worthy TV show. Unfortunately, its pacing issues become apparent by the end of Book 1, and it never recovers in Book 2.

Despite the minor issues and that odd design choice, Sniper Elite 5 is a fun game for newcomers to the series and longtime fans. It caters to a wide variety of gamers, providing both easy and difficult challenges that anyone can set up and then overcome in their own way. Overall, it's a high-quality game that further improves the stellar legacy of the entire series.

This is a fun game to pull out if someone wants to have a cooperative challenge with some friends or connect with strangers online, although as with most co-ops, playing with friends is often more rewarding.

For fans of role-playing games, especially JRPGS, this game will come as a breath of classic RPG air. Turn-based battles with a twist, an intricate and intersectional job system, and a ragtag group of heroes are all key components that make the experience memorable.

Gone are half-baked water physics and worm classes, replaced by more creative and complimentary features like vehicles, crafting, and building interiors.

While Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue suffers from Square’s scattershot approach to what has been included in the collection, it nevertheless remains a must-have for Kingdom Hearts fans, especially those who didn’t have access to Dream Drop Distance the first time around because of the franchise’s odd migration to and from Sony and Nintendo devices seemingly at a whim.

The two gameplay styles blend together very well, taking the best mechanics of both shooters and match-four puzzle games and combining them into one solid title.

Mario Tennis Fever's single-player is a letdown, but the overall package is stellar. The game looks great, has catchy music, features a variety of fun game modes, and most importantly, it absolutely nails the core gameplay. Mario Tennis Fever is the best Mario Tennis game yet, and sets a high bar for future Mario sports games on the Switch 2.

With time, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War's technical issues will be ironed out and the game will undoubtedly get a ton of new content. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Season 1 alone is promising new maps, modes, playable characters, and even some content for Warzone. But at launch, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is disappointing, and so fans may want to give the developers some time to smooth things over before picking it up.

The problems, although minor for the most part, were encountered with such regularity that they can’t be overlooked. Hopefully, Raw Fury will fix these hiccups quickly because, without those flaws, Sable truly is a beautiful and minimalist journey through an open world that is a joy to explore.

There is something special here for those who want a mechanical experience that can bring about a fluid, satisfying flow state. For everyone else, the game should be a blast to watch at GDQ.

If you bounced off the originals, or if you have reliable access to them and don't mind their dated graphics, then Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered might not be worth the cost of admission. But if you've never delved into the world of Nosgoth, are looking for a great story, and don't mind putting up with some archaic mechanics, it's an easy buy.

Knights of the Old Republic 2 is a great and beloved game, and its gameplay, mechanics, and systems all translate well to the Switch. It’s great when it works, but the frustrating problem is getting it to work.

It's not perfect, but that doesn't stop Behemoth from being one of the best VR games to date. It's an action-packed adventure that should greatly appeal to fans of games like The Legend of Zelda and God of War, with a healthy balance of gritty combat, satisfying puzzles, and immersive exploration. It's the latest must-have VR experience and one of the best virtual reality games to release all year.

Eventually, Spider-Man 2's PC port will be fixed to the point that it will rival or arguably exceed the PS5 version, especially for those with more powerful rigs that can push the game to its graphical and performance limits. At launch, though, Spider-Man 2 on PC falls well short of expectations. The core gameplay is still a blast, and it's still one of the best superhero adventures in gaming, but the crashes are too problematic to ignore.

Replaced is full of surprises. From the very first frame, I was surprised by its striking art style which, while on clear display in the game’s trailers, is infinitely more arresting with hands on sticks. I was surprised by how the combat sandbox, while not revolutionary, evolved into something challenging and exciting, and I was surprised by how much Replaced managed to surprise me late into my playthrough—a hallmark of a passionately, artfully crafted video game. Coming from the consistently solid indie publisher Thunderful, Replaced is the debut release of Sad Cat Studios. The gaming world is no stranger to impressive indie debuts, with the past several years playing host to several up-and-coming industry darlings, like last year’s Sandfall Interactive, maker of Clair Obscur. While Replaced is perhaps not on the same level as that game, I would argue that it puts Sad Cat Studios in the same league as the likes of Sandfall, with its impressive, nuanced, and inventive art style, writing, and game design. Even when Replaced stumbles, it quickly recovers with an astonishing setpiece, gorgeous view, or new mechanic, which keeps it on the up-and-up throughout its 11–12 hour runtime. It's still a bit early, but Replaced has definitely earned its place among the best indies of 2026. Replaced Is an Audiovisual Feast review-roundup-replaced-a-site Replaced Press Image 10 Replaced Press Image 9 I’m not sure that I’ve seen a game that looks quite like Replaced. The closest point of comparison might be Square Enix’s HD-2D games (e.g. Octopath Traveler), or the fantastic Tails Noir, but those don’t have the incredible attention to detail, nor the panache, of Replaced. Perhaps this is due to linearity: Replaced is a predetermined sequence of levels, for the most part, which helps it draw attention to its own beauty in subtle ways. For instance, the camera perspective will pivot slightly if you enter certain areas, indicating a difference in elevation or dimension. You'll see most of Replaced's environments just once, which only elevates the game's sense of style and confidence. Replaced’s visual design is overflowing with this kind of attention to detail. Characters are 2D sprites and backgrounds are composed primarily of 3D models, and juxtaposing these elements lends Replaced the same aesthetic texture as the aforementioned HD-2D games, but with a degree of darkness that’s missing from most titles under that label. I mean that both figuratively and literally: Replaced’s use of light is often mesmerizing, turning the player-character into a silhouette or illuminating him in a soft glow. And the game’s dystopian cyberpunk world, which is appropriately grimy and ramshackle, lends environments narrative and thematic intrigue as much as surface-level allure. Perhaps the greatest strength of Replaced’s aesthetic smorgasbord is its cinematography. Most 2D games, if they feature cutscenes at all, will include them as mere extensions of the regular 2D stage. In other words, the cutscenes are static, without much thought given to the movement of the virtual “camera.” But Replaced will pan, zoom, and rotate its camera, which not only makes for a more dynamic cinematic experience, but also highlights the strengths of the 2.5D style, as the camera will move between the various layers of the game-world, making it feel like a series of painstakingly detailed, multilayered dioramas. Confronting Uncle Ben and the Termites in Replaced Replaced’s World and Story Will Keep You Guessing I think that Replaced’s narrative is best experienced blind, so I won’t go into great detail about it, but suffice it to say that if you like games like Cyberpunk 2077, you’ll probably resonate with Replaced’s story to some degree. It hones in on the sociocultural commentary of the cyberpunk genre, but also its outlandishness, presenting a high-tech world defined, in large part, by some of the worst and most inventive aspects of humanity. The only drawback of the Replaced story that’s worth mentioning is its pacing. Perhaps Sad Cat Studios simply wanted to pad out its game, or perhaps it had to mold the story around pre-designed setpieces or environments, but there’s a good bit of downtime in Replaced that doesn’t always work. Sometimes it's fine, like when you first visit an implausibly cozy settlement built in an abandoned train station. The story slows down so you can enjoy new sights, sounds, characters, and even side activities, but other times, Replaced will grind its narrative to a screeching halt by having you embark on glorified fetch quests and other busy work, right as things are starting to get interesting. This is a problem that can impact Replaced’s gameplay as well. Gameplay is Replaced’s Weakest Link Replaced Press Image 1 Replaced Press Image 8 Replaced Press Image 7 ✕ Remove Ads I didn’t expect much from Replaced’s combat sandbox, which presents itself as a watered-down version of the Batman Arkham combat. At their core, fights are about performing basic combos and counters with the press of a button, but the system blossoms into something more complex with the introduction of special abilities, different enemy types, and new defensive options. It’s certainly not the most expressive or experimental combat system out there, but it’s consistently entertaining and exceptionally flashy: you’ll always feel cool after clearing a room. Subscribe to the newsletter for deeper indie game coverage Get deeper breakdowns—subscribe to the newsletter for visual analysis, narrative context, and design insights that explain what makes indies like Replaced stand out, plus curated picks to help you find more bold, artful games. Email Address Get Updates By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime. The same can’t quite be said about the game’s platforming, which sometimes feels sluggish and imprecise due to slow character movement, limited midair control, and inconsistencies like how the player-character will sometimes magnetize to ledges that they wouldn't be able to reach regularly. Platforming sections are also typically more about timing and precision than freedom: you’ll regularly engage in activities like waiting for a spotlight to pass before walking down a corridor, or jumping between hazards on a timer. Such challenges are fine, but also disappointingly pedestrian and predictable, and are often akin to the filler that affects Replaced’s narrative. ✕ Remove Ads Although I can identify areas where Replaced falls a little short, I’m still walking away from the game impressed and satisfied. Its visuals are stunning, its story is risky and full of heart, and what its gameplay lacks in complexity, it makes up for in variety, never feeling complacent even despite occasional pacing issues. Replaced is a terrific experience, especially for the price and hopefully, it’s also just the beginning for Sad Cat Studios.

Anyone wanting a basic hack-and-slash game with great graphics for their iOS devices can't go wrong with World of Demons on Apple Arcade, though fans should keep in mind that it falls quite short of PlatinumGames' best efforts.

Dead Island 2 offers plenty of over-the-top zombie-killing fun, especially in co-op, but it's dragged down by serious technical problems.

Trover Saves the Universe is worth playing regardless of the uninspired combat. Players won’t be compelled to stick with it for the barebones gameplay, but rather, to see where the story goes and what crazy character they will encounter next. It’s certainly not the most engaging game from a gameplay standpoint, but its story and humor will make it difficult for anyone to quit before they reach its unexpected conclusion.

Early on in Persona 5's development, P-Studio had considered an action-RPG format for the original Persona 5. While the Phantom Thieves debut maintained Persona's traditional JRPG framework, Persona 5 Strikers showcases what could've been in an overall successful manner. There are kinks that could've been worked out, with battles lacking a significant degree of player feedback that unnecessarily inflating the game's difficulty. Strikers' story also takes a little too long to hit its stride, but it does reward players who stick around for the long haul. Acting as a sequel to the critically acclaimed JRPG, Persona 5 Strikers is a fantastic continuation for the Phantom Thieves.

Those looking for a nostalgia trip will find it here, but there are some huge asterisks to consider before diving in. Mafia: Definitive Edition is just right for those looking to kill a few evenings before the fall's bigger games start rolling in, or those that have fond memories of the franchise. It's got a pile of problems to sort out, but at the same time, it scratches an itch that few other games can.

Wolfeye’s attempt to bring the immersive sim genre to an isometric game works well overall, albeit with a few hiccups in handling combat and looting. Fans itching for a game that allows freedom of choice in both story and gameplay at every turn should look no further than Weird West.

Pokken Tournament is the first Pokemon-focused fighting game ever released, but the final product feels more like a barebones offering rather than a fleshed out product.

The Surge 2's improved exploration and performance go a long way in making it better than its predecessor, though it's held back somewhat from the unreliable lock-on and bugs. Anyone that liked the first game will have a blast with the sequel, and while there are Souls-like games out there that feel less derivative of its inspiration (like the co-op focused Remnant: From the Ashes, for instance) The Surge 2 is sure to please anyone looking for more Dark Souls-style action.

People who enjoy Gang Beasts and other physics-based multiplayer games will have a blast with Party Animals as it's easily the most polished and fully-featured game of its kind. However, it's unlikely to convert any newcomers, and it remains to be seen how its monetization will play out. The game's budget price and its availability on Xbox Game Pass make it an easy recommendation for those needing a new mindless multiplayer game for their rotation, but don't go in expecting anything groundbreaking.

Mechanically, Trails Through Daybreak 2 is an incredibly satisfying role-playing experience that offers up some best-in-genre combat, impressive presentation, strong writing, and an exciting "whodunnit" mystery that will keep players guessing to the very end, including enough switching sides and shifting of allegiances to make one's head spin. If you weren't a fan of the Trails games before Trails Through Daybreak 2, it's a safe bet to assume you will be after completing it, and that alone makes it a game worth recommending.

Yo-Kai Watch is filled with charm, monsters to befriend, unique battle mechanics, and gameplay that keeps players engaged. Still, the title is filled with redundancies.

It still suffers from the same problems that have plagued the series for years, and the online mode is disappointing, to put it mildly.

Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam is just as wacky and enjoyable as any other past iteration of the series, but it fails to change things up in a meaningful way for longtime fans.

Techland is apparently planning years of Dying Light 2 DLC, and while that won't fix the problems that the base game has, perhaps future content will focus on what it does right. Those who liked the first Dying Light will likely be able to overlook the sequel's serious flaws, but unless gamers are starving for a new open-world game, it's better to skip Dying Light 2.

It does something different from other RPGs currently on the device through its action-styled gameplay and town-growing focus, and the end result is a unique and enjoyable romp.

The word that immediately came to mind when first jumping into Return of the Savage Planet is ‘joyful.’ It's an out-of-pocket word to pick for a goofy indie space exploration title, but immediately after booting it up, everything from the voice acting and setting to gameplay and humor made me smile. There’s an undercurrent of love found on every screen, with the small team behind the game weaving their passion and playfulness into each pixel. A bigger team doesn’t necessarily mean a better product, and sometimes, all players need is a little chaos, an electric whip, a few fart jokes, and the promise of (hopefully) more adventures on the horizon.

A fun experience with tons of content to grind through but Battle for Neighborville never gives players meaningful incentives to stick around long enough to see most of it.

Need for Speed Unbound feels like it comes to a stop before it ever gets going. The polish in the moment-to-moment gameplay cannot be ignored, but as a whole, Need for Speed Unbound is just another forgettable entry in the long-running franchise.

The Hinokami Chronicles 2 is undoubtedly the new standard for Demon Slayer games, and it does the material justice. CyberConnect2’s prestige animation is the star and its decades of designing interactive narrative experiences and action combat also show through, even if the studio is playing things safe. Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 is a smooth ride through familiar territory, and it doesn't need to be anything else.

As expected, Wildlands is at its best when players are on voice chat with a group of friends and the team is coming up with creative ways to take down cartel bosses by crashing planes into their mansions or picking off their guards with the help of drone intel. Although the game does stand-up in solo mode with fairly reliable AI partners, the massive world to explore becomes a little lonely and boring without some actual friends along for the ride.

It’s a refreshing take on a tried and true layout that manages to set up a solid structure within its sandbox environment. This is one of the good ones.

The Evil Within 2‘s goofy characters and cheesiness won’t be for everyone, but longtime fans of the genre will likely appreciate it. They will also appreciate its classic survival-horror gameplay that’s blended expertly with more modern features like open world settings, its improved graphics, and tighter narrative. By succeeding in all these areas, The Evil Within 2 is easily one of the best survival-horror games in recent memory, and is a significant step forward from its predecessor.

Despite some rough patches, it's easy to forgive Rise of the Ronin after how far it's come from its predecessors. It retains many loot-heavy Soulslike traits, but redefines itself as an action-RPG that cares for its world, characters, and player-driven narrative. Whether a Ronin finds themselves perfecting an overpowered build straight out of Nioh 2, giving gifts to raise NPCs’ affections, sniping at an enemy base from their glider, or catching cheaters in a betting game, there's rarely a dull moment. Team Ninja has proven that it can do more than just iterate on Nioh, and fans who get invested in Rise of the Ronin should find plenty to enjoy.

Tackling tragedy in games is important, but doing it well requires empathy, awareness, and a deft hand. Hindsight takes an important story and makes it relevant and relatable by scaling down its narrative to a quiet, personal level. Hampered only slightly by a few design choices, its masterful blending of art, music, interactivity, and writing make it a subtle triumph and a story well worth being told.

Tiny Tina's Wonderlands is an easy recommendation for Borderlands and D&D fans, but those who have had their fill of the franchise may get tired of the repetitive combat and constantly looting useless items. The technical problems are the biggest issue, so hopefully, Gearbox Software releases new Tiny Tina's Wonderlands updates to address them soon.

The game’s narrative is suspenseful and the puzzles are fantastic brainteasers.

The dastardly Mr Moon and his troublemakers have stolen Mr Sun’s hatbox delivery from a humble courier company. With the fate of an aspiring apparel business at stake, it’s up to you to build a team, stage a series of heists, and get it back.

Mass Effect: Andromeda is far from a perfect game, but it is an absolute must-play for fans of science-fiction or BioWare RPGs. The storytelling is at an all-time high once things get underway and players who make it through the adventure will be unlikely to regret their time spent in this new corner of the Mass Effect universe.

Watch Dogs Legion is an easy game to recommend for fans of the franchise, as it continues to utilize the solid gameplay foundation established by its predecessor. While the lack of a main character may not be a hit with everyone, it works surprisingly well. Over the last three iterations, Watch Dogs has introduced more and more player freedom, but with Legion, Ubisoft takes things to an insane new level.

Cyber Sleuth is worth giving a try for die-hard JRPG fans or those that have wanted to give the genre a shot but found early game tutorials too overbearing. It's a little bit of Persona mixed with a whole lot of Pokemon, and it offers something for fans of both of those franchises. It may have a story that's a little difficult to follow at times, but it more than makes up for it with quite a bit of charm. Players will have to get passed the oddities of Digimon's world, but doing so should prove to be a pretty rewarding experience.

Dead Take clearly wants players to focus on uncovering its story, and the mansion is built in a way that makes exploration feel rewarding even without much resistance. The atmosphere does a lot of heavy lifting, with sound and lighting creating an ever-present sense of tension that kept me leaning forward the whole time. Dead Take might not break the escape room genre wide open, but it finds a creative way to pull players into its world, and it's worth seeing through to the end.

Paper Mario: Color Splash is the best looking installment in the series, offering the most immersive world to-date. Still, its battle system suffers in a misguided bid to innovate.

Gamers looking for a challenge, a beautiful world and musical score, and some truly memorable bosses will still be pleased at what Furi has to offer, however, and even though it’s not the absolute best of its kind, it’s worth a look from anyone willing to suffer through some frustration for what amounts to a hell of a five hour ride.

Overall, The Sims 4: Paranormal stuff pack accomplishes what it sets out to do. It provides players with a new, spooky experience that hasn’t been in the game previously. There were a few bugs, like the apartment mishap and an instance where a bed had to be removed in order to get rid of a creepy doll, but these things can be fixed easily with patches. It would be a stretch to say every Sims 4 player needs this pack, but for those who enjoy occult gameplay and artsy/boho CAS and Build/Buy items, this will definitely soothe that itch—just make sure it’s not a ghost hand doing the scratching.

This release really needs two separate review scores: one for people who’ve never played the originals and one for players who will frolic through the levels with experience and rose-tinted glasses of nostalgia. Fans of the original Tomb Raider games will probably be thrilled with these remasters. For non-veterans, though, it will be an arduous journey, and the new textures, lighting, and “modern” controls won’t make much difference. It will be hard to judge these titles through the lens of ’90s tech and game design rather than 2024’s, and new players might have a tougher time overlooking issues that veteran players embrace as quirks or don’t see at all. However, it seems safe to assume that most people picking up Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered already appreciate the originals, and so this score is aimed more at them. Newcomers, approach with caution.

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game is just as fans will remember it and that alone will be worth the price of admission for a lot of people. Experiencing the levels and hearing the music again is a nostalgic experience, in a variety of ways. That being said, the game’s clunky combat has been virtually untouched, which will be a turn-off to gamers looking for a refined beat ‘em up experience. And the crashes were not something one would expect from a port. Still, getting together with friends and bashing baddies on the way to winning Ramona’s heart is a fun distraction for a few hours.

Darksiders 2: Deathinitve Edition may not offer much for those that have already had their fill of Death’s adventure on last-generation consoles, but newcomers will find a quality game that offers plenty of entertainment and playtime – frame rate issues, glitches, and the weak story notwithstanding.

At launch, MultiVersus is a little more bare bones than some might have hoped, but the game has an incredibly bright future. Season 1 alone is set to add at least four new characters to the roster, and leaks have revealed more new MultiVersus characters that are likely on the way. Fans finally have a viable alternative to Super Smash Bros., and it will be exciting to see how it evolves from here.

Wolfenstein: The Old Blood is a decent spin-off from The New Order, but is not an essential standalone experience.

The gameplay feels familiar, yet revamped to address some of the issues fans have with previous iterations.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita's Rewind is a small, but well-rounded package that Power Rangers fans should adore, and unfamiliar friends can enjoy alongside them. Rita’s Rewind would have been a hit in late 90s arcades, and its competence and love for the source material means it should find an audience today alongside the Once & Always special it sprang from. Even if its competitors do what it does better, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita's Rewind is still a rollicking good time that no one will regret experiencing.

Mario Tennis Aces may not be quite as engaging as the Nintendo 64 game, but it’s a significant improvement over the poorly-received Ultra Smash on the Wii U.

Endless Dungeon is a tough one to critique, though it fully deserves it in some areas. The team at Amplitude succeeded in creating a fun roguelite, tower defense, twin-stick dungeon crawler that will entertain for hours. At the same time, it doesn’t excel in anything it brings to the table, fails to innovate, and even falls inexplicably short in some obvious places. This is one to buy on sale.

Satellite Reign offers a great real time strategy experience in a cyberpunk world, but doesn’t keep the experience as fresh as it could have been.

Call of the Sea struggles to maintain its momentum as it nears the end of the game in terms of gameplay, but the first few chapters are great and the story at least stays interesting. While its short length may understandably make some hesitant to buy it outright, it's an easy recommendation for Xbox Game Pass subscribers, especially anyone looking for a fresh experience on their Xbox Series X consoles.

Homeworld 3 feels like a great return to form for this iconic RTS franchise. Diehard fans will love experiencing what comes next in this turbulent galaxy, while newcomers can use this as the perfect way to jump into the series for the first time. And even though some of the controls can be unintuitive and the camera needs a bit of work, the battles seem to be as exciting as ever. It really feels like Blackbird Interactive understood just what makes Homeworld and the RTS genre tick here, so hopefully there are plenty more adventures in store for the future.

Mortal Shell offers an experience that longtime Dark Souls fans will likely cling to. Its early hours can be painfully slow, and there are a smattering of issues with the world design, but it's not enough to ruin the experience. Once players find their groove with the right loadout, Mortal Shell's biggest problems evaporate, and its offering of new additions to the Souls-like formula makes it stand out in an increasingly crowded genre.

Donut County gets points for its great art style, hilarious writing, and its truly unique gameplay. Unfortunately, as a game, it feels woefully underdeveloped, lacks any kind of challenge, and is far too short.

Anyone that considers themselves a fan of the older Amnesia titles should definitely pick up Amnesia: Rebirth when they have the chance. Amnesia: Rebirth is terrifying, but more importantly, it is also fun to play thanks to its engrossing physics-based puzzles. Amnesia: Rebirth may not accomplish the impossible task of being as revolutionary as its predecessor, but it's still miles ahead of most horror games and is a no-brainer for anyone looking for something spooky to play this Halloween.

Some of Dead Rising's morbid charm is lost in translation, but for the most part, Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster is a solid re-do of the 2006 original. The quality-of-life improvements will be greatly appreciated by all and revisiting Willamette Mall is a nostalgic time for old-school 360 fans. Here's hoping that we don't have to wait long to see another entry in the series.

The game delivers fast and fluid open-world gameplay from start to finish, offering plenty of replayability with tiered outpost raids and expeditions. While New Dawn won’t be known for its memorable characters or plot, it’s fun enough that gamers are likely to forgive the narrative stumble.

It is safe to say, however, that Wild Hearts is a wonderful new IP in the hunting genre that not only stands on the shoulders of Monster Hunter but can also meet it eye-to-eye. It isn’t the most fleshed-out hunting game compared to its progenitor, but it proves that it doesn’t have to be. A razor-sharp focus on combat, player progression, and Kemono hunting is more than enough to make Wild Hearts an excellent palette cleanser for fans that need something new to sink their teeth into. Add in the game’s fun Karakuri crafting system, a flexible and versatile weapon upgrade system, and beast designs that inspire both awe and horror, and Wild Hearts can proudly stand tall as a new pillar in Omega Force’s diverse catalog of games.

Although the gameplay itself may prove tiresome over long periods, the game’s story elements, sense of isolation, and soundtrack make Out There a more-than-worthwhile purchase.

While Episode 2 is an improvement, it comes with a big caveat as fans wait to see how Telltale handles the remainder of The Walking Dead: The Final Season. It would be a shame for the ending of episode two to simply be it, as the coming war promises players a legitimate, if cruel and heart-breaking, end for the beloved Clementine.

Overall, Evil Genius 2 is a worthy successor to Elixir Studio's cult classic. Despite some minor pacing and quality-of-life issues, the game delivers a compelling and detailed management sim with an engaging theme. Its excellent use of tongue-in-cheek humor and bold style do a great job of capturing the feel of an over-the-top 1960s spy spoof, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the world of super spies and doomsday devices.

Aliens: Dark Descent takes place in a setting that could have been a fantastic place to unveil some gripping sci-fi drama or lore, but instead it's basically just a point-and-click sequence. Even without tripping at the finish line, Aliens: Dark Descent has enough issues that prevent it from excelling. There's fun to be had here, with some great mechanical choices and tactical possibilities that keep the excitement high. It's not the weakest in the history of Alien games, but it's too close to the middle to be memorable.

Time has been kind to Apollo Justice, but Capcom has been especially kind to the re-release efforts of the Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy. Much like The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles and the Phoenix Wright Trilogy before it, the Apollo Justice Trilogy is another fantastic effort by Capcom in updating and re-releasing its legacy courtroom battle games for modern audiences and with a few fixes and tweaks to make it more fitting for this day in age. Returning fans will be able to jump right into their most nostalgic moments with the series whenever they like and with plenty to come back to, while new fans can experience Apollo’s story in its best form yet.

In the end, The Elder Scrolls Online: Blackwood provides enough intrigue and content to whet one's appetite for new experiences, but won't be enough to fully satiate every player. Thwarting the Daedric machinations of Mehrunes Dagon and the Order of the Waking Flame is a fun experience, even if the current story didn't have a satisfying conclusion. It is absolutely clear that the developers put immense effort into the creation of Blackwood, from its sound and level designs to some of its more haunting and hellish landscapes.

Mortal Kombat 11 was always a perfectly fine game, and Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath gives it a few extra hours of story, a few more characters and moves, and not much else.

For the souls-like hardcore, Lords of the Fallen will be a fine conquest, but for the souls-like beginner, there are better entry points to the genre that offer a more well-rounded exploration into what souls-likes are capable of.

Ultimately, Ghostwire: Tokyo's world-building, Japanese folklore, and character dynamics are engaging, but the pacing and combat weigh down the middle section.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate doesn't offer much room for the player to get frustrated or, quite frankly, challenged, as a lot of its difficulty is transparently manufactured and tied to linear progression systems that give the game its structure and longevity. At times, this makes it more enjoyable than even the most well-crafted roguelikes, but this is comparable to the difference between fast food and fine dining: one gives you quick and easy satisfaction, but the other offers an experience you'll remember for months or even years. It's up to the consumer to decide what they are more in the mood for.

Overall, Jurassic World Evolution a game that players will not enjoy if they don't like management sims and the plate-spinning and detailed fine-tuning that comes with the genre. It's a niche genre of games, but it's one that Jurassic World Evolution exemplifies well. The graphics are very good for being on a Switch port, the voice-acting is fun and adds another layer to the game, and the mechanics are largely intuitive and don't take much getting used to. Jurassic World Evolution was a well-built game when it came out in 2018, and the DLC additions and Switch port have only further proved that this is a game that fans of the franchise and management sim lovers will enjoy.

Despite minor bugs and a save system that could cause frustration, the core of Moonscars is a pleasurable journey through a crushingly dark world. Black Mermaid’s first title is filled with love for the platforming genre, and it shows in every aspect of the game. It will be interesting to see which direction this new developer goes in future titles, or if it will choose to continue to build on the dark and bloody world introduced in Moonscars.

Sniper Elite: Resistance doesn't break new ground for the Sniper Elite franchise, nor does it break new ground for the stealth-action genre. But those weren't its intentions. What Sniper Elite: Resistance did intend to do was provide another fun, complete Sniper Elite experience that stays true to the aspects of the series fans have come to love, and it achieves exactly that.

There are certain aspects of the game that drag the experience down a bit, but it's a mostly successful adventure game that succeeds in delivering an emotional story in a gorgeous world. PixelOpus has done a great job with its sophomore effort and it will be exciting to see what's next from the studio.

Visions of Mana isn't perfect, nor will it revolutionize the JRPG genre with its approach to combat or storytelling. But for the right player, these issues won't matter, because Visions of Mana has an undeniable charm and allure to it. Its breathtaking visuals, satisfying combat, and likable characters combine for a comforting, stock-standard JRPG, and if you're in the market for that, then Visions of Mana is an easy buy.

Not A Hero may not constantly tickle the funny bones, but its lighthearted satirical moments and thrilling combat make the game something special for players after a challenge.

It’s a rewarding experience for anyone who can get into the groove, but the combat and the franchise are the game’s two biggest selling points. If neither appeals, there won’t be all that much to enjoy here.

Revelations 2 offers an engaging story that doesn’t take itself too seriously, enjoyable co-op multiplayer, and a worthwhile reason to revisit the game thanks to its surprisingly addictive Raid Mode.

Ultimately, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage proves to be an uneven experience where the characters are more interesting than the plot. With a final twist that doesn't feel earned and fails to illuminate the game's greater mystery, it's hard to imagine players eagerly awaiting the second half of the story when it arrives on April 15. However, it's still possible that the remainder of the title could continue building its wonderful characters and make the juice worth the squeeze.

McPixel 3 is mercifully short, clocking in at around three to five hours depending on how familiar one is with point-and-click adventures, but those few hours do drag. Some fun can be had finding the game's more clever solutions but overuse of low-effort jokes and nonexistent sound effects outside repetitive music make it difficult to recommend to most.

Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun is polished and runs perfect, with fast-paced and exciting combat. Gamers that grew up playing 90s FPS games will get a kick out of how much it borrows from Doom, Quake, and the like, but many will tire of the archaic design choices that have been abandoned by modern games. Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun represents the best and worst of 90s-era FPS games, so while it has a solid foundation, it fails to deliver truly compelling content to go with it, making the game difficult to recommend to anyone that's not a hardcore Warhammer fan or who isn't desperately nostalgic for the 90s.

No More Heroes 3 may be repetitive at times and doesn't have quite the best bosses in the series history, but players new and old will have an enjoyable time with the game. It's a wonderfully vivid and colorful game that only shows how wild Suda51 really is.

Marvel Rivals feels like the first serious contender to Overwatch's crown; it's a game I can see being a part of my multiplayer rotation indefinitely. And the thing is, Marvel Rivals at launch is just the tip of the iceberg. There are near-endless possibilities for new roster and map additions in the years ahead. Some of the leaked Marvel Rivals characters have me excited about the game's future, and I can't wait to see how it evolves.

Observation has the visuals, atmosphere, and story that would put it in the conversation of the best horror games of 2019, but the nausea-inducing camera, uninspired puzzles, and frequent lack of clear direction ruin it.

As found in many good RTS games, the potential for mastery of Iron Harvest's mechanics is immense, but it can also be plenty of fun to turn down the difficulty, crank up the starting resources, and watch the big robots fight. Against a high-difficulty AI with a wide array of units, players will need to be clever, quick, and good at micro-managing units, taking advantage of cover and unique abilities to turn the tide. For RTS or other strategy fans, the game is definitely worth checking out, but those who find themselves primarily interested in the setting and not the focused gameplay may want to wait for a sale.

The Outlast Trials is a fun, but flawed addition to the Outlast series, trading in the original titles’ claustrophobic horror for in-your-face multiplayer mayhem. The title’s core gameplay loop offers a thrilling challenge and high replayability, delivering plenty of trials for fans to sink their teeth into across its Core, Advanced, and Ultra Programs, with immersive audio-visual elements that deliver on all fronts. Unfortunately, The Outlast Trials' balancing issues, unjustified gratuity, and complete lack of scares may leave some players disappointed. Fans of the Outlast series will likely find plenty of reasons to explore and overcome the Murkoff Corporation’s various testing facilities, as the title offers enough challenge to keep them engaged. However, for general horror audiences, and those new to Outlast, The Outlast Trials may struggle to live up to the legendary reputation of the series’ original entries.

Phantom: Covert Ops is a bit on the short side, but it's a top-tier virtual reality game while it lasts.

Whilst the game is fun in short doses, the lack of online multiplayer could leave players wanting more than the title can provide.

Carrion is a great pick for horror game fans, and will make players want more horror-themed Metroidvanias. It can be completed in just a few hours and it loses its momentum at the end, but it's a fun reverse-horror game experience while it lasts.

Evil West's poor narrative, dated graphics, and short length make it somewhat difficult to justify the $60 price tag, regardless of how much fun the core combat is. Even so, those yearning for a no-nonsense action game with old-school sensibilities may still want to take the plunge, and if they aren't bothered by the short length, they are unlikely to walk away disappointed.