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Age of Wonders 4 reshuffles some elements of the traditional 4X strategy formula in rather significant ways, making for an entry that puts choice and customization at the forefront. It does so excellently, offering plenty of spells and culture combinations that let you roleplay a variety of archetypal or contradictory factions while seeking the most overpowered spell and unit mix.
Dead Island 2's visceral combat can effortlessly pull you into the zone as you slash, shoot, and kick zombies, while making sure they head into the afterlife with fewer limbs attached. A simple but effective upgrade system gives you the means to counter any foe, while its varied arsenal of melee and ranged weapons keeps things interesting for a good while.
Minecraft Legends is a genuinely impressive RTS effort that has the potential to convert Minecraft fans into enthusiasts of the genre. Although it's not always a seamless blend, most of its issues can be resolved through understanding and patience.
Total War: Warhammer 3: Forge of the Chaos Dwarfs introduces a much-needed new race and units, potentially signaling a faster pace for post-launch content. While not every mechanic introduced is as impressive as the flames of Hashut and the campaign revisits some familiar tactics, it never truly disappoints. The diverse roster of units is the true highlight of this expansion.
Although Resident Evil 4 is a superb remake, it still exists in the shadow of what made the original so important. However, the parry system stands out as the most welcome change to the largely familiar proceedings. At its core, the game remains the same stupendous spectacle of action horror it always was, but with arguably even higher intensity.
For better or worse, Project Zero: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse brings an underplayed fifteen-year-old horror game to Western audiences in a well-preserved state. There's a fantastic atmosphere and the horror is well-framed and executed with impressive restraint, but control issues of the time carry through to this remaster.
Atomic Heart is a shooter with some fantastic ideas, excellent presentation, and a fair bit of variety. Although it doesn't excel at any one thing and flatters to deceive at times, it still has enough to offer a compelling adventure.
Aware of its past yet looking towards the future, Company of Heroes 3 offers something for everyone. The dynamic map of Italy is a great experience, although it's slightly marred by passive AI, abilities that don't always work, small UI issues, and a gameplay loop that doesn't encourage the use of all available tools.
SpellForce: Conquest of Eo is a good reason to return to the universe, but it feels far less epic in scale when compared to the previous titles.
Deliver Us Mars offers a refreshing sci-fi adventure with an entertaining, emotional story at the forefront. It ups the scale from its predecessor and manages to reach for the stars relatively unscathed.
The horror is the least scary thing…
A pretty funny romp that never quite finds its speed both as a shooter and as a comedic story. It's unlikely you'll be bored with High on Life.
Blacktail isn't going for revolutionary status, and most of the things it does do are slight by comparison to the hitmakers of the genres it inhabits, but as a package, it's a delightfully dark fairy tale-infused adventure that keeps you invested throughout.
In a month or five or twelve, Warhammer 40,000: Darktide may reach the state it should have launched in. In a month or five or twelve, it may become a co-op game that's easy to recommend. But while I undoubtedly had fun during the missions I completed over 40+ hours playing both the pre-order beta and full versions, it's clear that we're dealing with yet another title whose potential isn't allowed to fully shine through at launch.
Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is very much a superior sequel in so many ways. It's still a bit of a brick wall to get past in terms of understanding its finer points, but keep hammering away and you will find them.
Evil West's old-school sensibilities aren't what drag it down, although its linear levels might not appeal to everyone. Its combat feels glorious when it clicks, but the studio's latest third-person shooter struggles to find its stride, resulting in a fun but rather unremarkable adventure.
Obsidian has a fantastic history of ambitious RPG titles, but none feel as confident and refined as Pentiment. This is a game that truly understands the intoxicating nature of choice in video games, and rewards you with cynical torment befitting the world it portrays.
A short, sharp cooperative puzzler with a fun time-spanning twist. The Past Within sees Rusty Lake go all out to make the purest kind of cooperative experience possible, and ends up doing a fine job.
Victoria 3 is a political and economic simulation of unparalleled depth, complexity and indifference to you. Stumble upon a narrative hook and it can reel you in, even if it struggles to maintain a human connection
Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed is the closest we've yet come to an authentic Ghostbusters experience. Undoubtedly better with friends, it's still a genuine thrill to play alone - especially if you're the ghost.