Undisputed delivers impressive graphical detail and an extensive fighter roster that will satisfy boxing fans. The moment to moment boxing mechanics feel fun while leaning into the sim territory with the game's sixty different punches. While the modes within Undisputed don't warrant the asking price of $59.99, the character options, fighting mechanics, and deep roster are enough to satisfy fans of the genre.
NHL 25 supplies a more sim-like experience than past entries thanks to heightened puck control and enhanced AI. As a result, this year's iteration feels more authentic and 'next-gen', but does little else to differentiate itself from prior entries. Game modes in particular remain practically untouched, featuring the same suite of features from NHL 24. This is a solid hockey game bolstered by improved AI and small incremental improvements, but its changes don't feel as substantial as other titles in EA's lineup.
Enotria is a masterclass in intricate level design. Exploring the dense Italian world is a joy thanks to the unique locales and brilliant dense layouts. The Soulslike inspiration is obvious here, from the bonfire system to the combat, but Enotria differentiates itself enough with its Mask class system. This is a decent Soulslike if you can withstand the bugs and slow combat.
Yars Rising creatively blends retro Atari gameplay with platforming. I love the way the game controls and plays, and the artful presentation is brimming with color and life, but its persistent load screens and a lack of fast travel are annoying.
Despite my issues connecting to servers and the poor graphical performance on PS5, I’ve quite enjoyed my time on Solar Crown’s Hong Kong Island. The driving mechanics are easily the best the series has ever had, and the cars sound and feel viscerally dynamic. It’s a shame that a game that places such a strong emphasis on realistic immersion and map detail is dragged down by poor graphical performance and always-online server issues. Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown has the potential to overtake its rivals but it has too many faults slowing it down in its current state.
Monster Jam Showdown is a fun, physics-based monster truck game which is wrapped in a dreadfully underwhelming campaign structure. All your favorite licensed monster trucks are here, but their similar driving characteristics and sounds deflate the excitement.
Flock is a relaxing game about taming creatures in a colorful open environment. With strong colorful aesthetics and excellent sound design, it's easy to see the appeal here. The exploration is superb, though the mechanics involved in charming creatures could've been more engaging. If you love games like Pokemon Snap or even Katamari Damacy, Flock will be up your alley.
Kunitsu-Gami is an intriguing action/strategy hybrid that provides consistently fresh gameplay and relaxing moments. If you're not a fan of strategy or action games, I'd still recommend this game since it's an experience that manages to transcend either genre thanks to its quieter moments.
Star Wars Hunters is a surprisingly fun hero shooter wrapped around a somewhat aggressive live-service model. The shooting dynamics are great and the levels are filled with some nice Star Wars fanservice.
A straightforward 1v1 samurai fighting game with very little content on its bones. Fine if you just want some quick and fun matches against friends, but there's not enough here to hold interest for long.
A fun but flawed management sim with a compelling roguelike loop. Lack of customization and content prevent Undead Inc. from reaching its potential.
Somersaulting through bite-sized puzzle rooms in search of Mini-Marios is even more of a treat than it was back on the GBA. While I’ll miss the dialogue that didn’t make it into the remake, I fully welcome the added stages and reworked music. I enjoyed my HD revisit of Mario vs. Donkey Kong quite a bit, even to the point of earning every Star in the game. While there’s not a lot here that will appeal to those who weren’t attracted by the original game, it’s still a solid remake that adds fun new stages and HD polish.
This is a gamer’s game, and I mean that in a literal sense. It shines with brilliant game design through and through and doesn’t manipulate the player’s dopamine through gotcha microtransaction mechanics. It’s a pure, raw, game experience that respects the player’s skill and time. I haven’t thoroughly enjoyed a game as much as Prince of Persia The Lost Crown in years. If you’re even remotely interested in platformers or Metroidvanias, you owe it to yourself to play this game.
I simply loved playing Super Mario Bros. Wonder and don’t think another game this year has made me smile as much as this one. It’s a delightful platformer that continues Mario’s 2D legacy into the future with fresh design concepts and gimmicks you wouldn’t have seen a mile away. Now that Super Mario Bros. Wonder has proved that the 2D Mario format still has fresh new tricks up its sleeve, I’d love to see how they iterate on it in their next games.