Not as expansive in initial scope as previous expansions, Shadowkeep's standout feature is instead the way it redefines the core loop and encourages week-to-week investment
An easy skip, even if you like mecha-infused action
Borderlands 3 is a love letter to its fans and a celebration of the style of play it first popularized. Filled with characters from previous installments, and unapologetic in its silly humor and bombastic action, it’s an amusing ride that seems hesitant to innovate.
Moments of beauty and distantly spaced moments of sublime discovery are separated by hours and hours of tedium and frustration
Void Bastards provides a clever twist on the gameplay model popularized by System Shock 2 and BioShock, now with a procedural element to aid in long-term engagement
Crazy motorbike obstacles will likely always be fun, but a grindy progression loop drags your cycle into the mud
With both arcade and story modes, there's a lot of old-school charm to enjoy, but be prepared for some old-school frustration as well
A deep progression system isn't enough to save these survivors from repetitive and poorly balanced missions
An engaging entry point into space combat and exploration, with just enough sophistication to be attractive to some veteran pilots
An invigorating shot in the arm to the Destiny franchise, this jam-packed release is absorbing for hobbyist players, even as it sometimes sacrifices accessibility
An abbreviated campaign is entertaining but limited in scope, while the subsequent pursuits are tailored to a satisfying if glacial curve of powering up
A richly imagined seafaring setting lends novelty to what is ultimately an evolved iteration of very traditional isometric RPG fun
The simple presentation belies a deep and engaging gameplay loop that unfolds over multiple playthroughs, as new unlocks completely change required tactics
The storytelling lacks punch, the new play spaces aren't used to their full potential, and the endgame loop still has problems, but Curse of Osiris has more under the hood than first appears
After a shaky start to the season-wrapping episode, the final minutes offer a satisfying conclusion
This open world has plenty of racing content, but bad progression, technical problems, and throwaway storytelling make it hard to get invested
Higher emotional stakes lend weight that pulls back from the levity these characters are known for
You are a merciless tornado of ruin touching down in an unforgiving world of battle and domination, and embracing that unfettered power is a joy
A riveting campaign adventure that ably transitions into a cyclical game of progression, cooperation, and competition
With a focus on the way characters' pasts shape their future, the third episode is the most impactful so far