The classic Tetris and Puyo Puyo action is enjoyable, but the new modes are letdowns
The super-sized environments require more patience than ever, along with a willingness to continually revisit the same locations
Too much trial-and-error plagues the puzzles, which also don't have enough strategy or interesting choices
While still far from perfect, Escape Plan Bravo contains enough good moments to get me excited for the final entry
Some of Borderlands 2's gameplay and humor feels understandably dated, but the core loop remains satisfying
The Sinking City succeeds at creating a memorable world and twisting narrative that pulls players beyond its mediocre gameplay
Mutant Year Zero builds on some promising ideas but comes crashing down hard on an unsatisfying cliffhanger ending
Enjoying everything Bravely Second has to offer still requires putting up with a lot of filler
Pony Island's action sequences are repetitive and unforgiving, but the bizarre narrative doles out intrigue and humor in equal parts
While the puzzles get repetitive, the ever-changing environments and heartfelt narrative see you through to the end of the journey
PlanetSide 2 is one long grind, but the scale and competitive feel are wholly unique
This is the closest a game has come to capturing the promise of the Alien franchise, even if its story doesn't add much to the lore
Phantom Doctrine demands the patience and calculation of a cold-blooded assassin, but the methodical style of play is rewarding
Few games serve up more nonstop action and destructive freedom than Just Cause 4
The Hitman formula still demands extraordinary patience and a fondness for replaying the same levels, but fans of 2016's reboot will find plenty to love
Hidden Agenda doesn't live up to Supermassive's interactive take on the teen slasher genre, but still weaves a suspenseful mystery worth more than one playthrough
Pinball FX 3 provides some new ways to enjoy your pinball collection, even if your rivalries are a bit more buried
The Frozen Wilds offers a new and condensed mystery that hits most of the same notes players loved about the main game
Bravely Default’s depth and variety largely make up for a slow pace and repetitive mission structure
While its trajectory has been off at times, Telltale nails the landing