I’m not digging Rage 2’s story or setting. But I still have a ways to go before completing it. Maybe the plot will win me over. Maybe the world will do something surprising and evoke something besides Mad Max. But even if it doesn’t, I still like Rage 2. Artistically, it’s uninspired. But mechanically, it’s one of the best shooters I’ve played in years. Fun wins out.
This is yet another Yoshi game that doesn’t come close to reaching Yoshi’s Island greatness.
Devil May Cry 5 won't be a total disappointment thanks to its stunning production values. Aside from the recent Resident Evil 2 remake, this is the best-looking game Capcom has ever made. Its adventure is a fun one if you don't take it too seriously (which shouldn't be too hard). As much as I can gripe about its flaws, it's hard not to grin when you're shoving a running motorcycle wheel into a demon's face. But this isn't an action classic.
The Disney side is still the best side of Kingdom Hearts, and Kingdom Hearts III nails that part. But even it's story, as ridiculous as it is, gives fans emotional moments and satisfaction. I wouldn't say it's better than Kingdom Hearts or Kingdom Hearts II, but Kingdom Hearts III is magical enough to resonate with this big Disney geek.
This is definitely its best version thanks to the addition of Toadette. But New Super Mario Bros. U lacks imagination, and bringing it to the Switch doesn’t solve that problem.
I love Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, and Ultimate is better in every way I can see.
I missed out on these games when they first came out, but I’m glad Reignited Trilogy gave me a chance to appreciate them. All three of these titles are fun and responsive 3D platformers. But Reignited Trilogy isn’t content with celebrating the past. The new, vibrant graphics make Spyro a playable fantasy cartoon. It’s one of the most attractive kid-friendly games you’ll find.
Diablo III on the Switch is my new favorite way to play the game. If you ignore the lame campaign, this is a engaging and rewarding action RPG experience that you can play for minutes or hours. And you'll enjoy it alone or with friends.
If you were ever a fan of the series, Soulcalibur VI will feel familiar and fun. And even if you're newer to the franchise, the relative simplicity of Soulcalibur's mechanics will make it easy to pick up and play.
If you're a fan of Mega Man but feel uneasy about how Mega Man 11 looks or adds to the formula, don't. This is a fantastic 2D action game worthy of the Blue Bomber's name.
This is now the best Spider-Man game, taking the crown from Spider-Man 2. It is also one of the PlayStation 4's best exclusives and one of the best super hero games ever.
We won't know the full quality of the expansion for a couple of years, but Battle for Azeroth is off to a strong start.
The Messenger comes out on August 30 for Switch and PC. The publisher gave us a Switch code for this review.
I still enjoy Mega Man X5, X6, X7, and X8. Sure, they have problems, and they don't feel as fresh or tightly designed as the first four. But the core of what makes Mega Man X so much fun — the combination of fast-paced traversal with with 2D action — still work in these games. This collection isn't for everyone. But if you're a big fan of the Blue Bomber, this is still a great package that helps you complete your digital Mega Man collection.
Mega Man X Legacy Collection is out now for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC. Capcom gave us codes for all platforms for this review.
Jurassic World: Evolution is more of a pure sim game than Planet Coaster, but it does a good job of taking advantage of its license. It keeps things complicated enough to feel interesting without letting it feel out of your control.
This new God of War takes a lot of risks. It trades blind rage and revenge for a story about a troubled father/son relationship. It ditches fast, combo-based violence for something more methodical. It's a departure from everything that once was God of War. But almost all of these risks pay off. God of War is an exhilarating, beautiful action game that turns one of PlayStation's biggest icons into a character you can care about.
Star Allies is a serviceable side-scroller, but Kirby's Switch debut should be more exciting this this snoozer.
Monster Hunter: World is one of the more rewarding action role-playing games I've played in recent years.
It's not a technical masterpiece, but Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a deep and fulfilling JRPG. It's a great game to show just how well this genre works with Nintendo's newest system.