Splatoon 2 is just an easy game to like. It's bright, cheery, and employs endless tricks in a constant quest to make you smile.
Samus Returns has an appropriate name. It really does feel like a homecoming for a franchise that I love. It's great to be playing a new 2D Metroid. But it doesn't just work off of nostalgia. Samus Returns's new ideas actually add improvements to the classic Metroid gameplay. It might have come a little later than I liked, but Nintendo proved that they can still make this franchise exciting again.
Monster Hunter: World is one of the more rewarding action role-playing games I've played in recent years.
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.
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.
I love Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, and Ultimate is better in every way I can see.
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.
If you’re a fan of classic action-platformers, The Messenger is another indie game that you need to own. It’s much more than a tribute to Ninja Gaiden. This Switch and PC game cuts its own path with some inventive abilities and fun gameplay twists.
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.
Mega Man Zero/ZX Legacy Collection comes out on February 25 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC. Capcom gave us a code for the Switch version for this review.
As a game, The Phantom Pain excels. The stealth and action work beautifully in the open-world setting, and maintaining your Mother Base gives you plenty of rewards. It’s long, fun, and gives players tons of variety.
Day of the Tentacle is a classic, and this remastered version is a great way for old fans to see the time-hopping adventure looking its best. Hopefully, it’ll also give a new generation of players a chance to experience all of the silliness for themselves.
More than how it looks or plays, I appreciate Gran Turismo 7’s vibe. It’s just pleasant. I know I can start the game, play through a few races or license tests, and make some meaningful progress. Of course, if you’re looking for something a bit more competitive, that’s there with multiplayer. I was even surprised to see the game offer a two-player splitscreen mode that ran well. But that’s not how I want to play Gran Turismo 7. I’m just here for the vibes and some relaxing rides, and GT7 is happy to let me enjoy it on my own terms.
These games look great and play better than they ever have in HD. But what else do you get? As far as extras, not a ton. You do get a small museum mode, a boss rush, and some bonus missions. But compared to, say, the 3D explorable world with its multiple media museums from Sonic Jam, it’s a bit bare. But, hey, I’m not really here for bonuses. I’m here for those four games. And a few oddities aside, these are fantastic remasters. Even if you’re a Sonic fan who already owns these games in other compilations, Origins is worth it.
A great selection of games make this a strong collection, and I also appreciate the accoutrements that Digital Eclipse has thrown into the package. If you’re a beat-’em-up or a TMNT fan, The Cowabunga Collection is going to offer a lot of fun for you and your friends.
No, it’s no Dark Souls with mechs, but Armored Core VI carves out its own identity.
The Prince of Persia series has lived a few lives. It started as a 2D cinematic platformer before evolving into movement-based 3D action games. Now, Ubisoft Montpellier has found a new direction for the franchise that could serve as the blueprint for the series going forward.
Tekken 8 makes me angry at myself. I know that I’ve missed out on an amazing franchise. But at least I feel like I’m getting into the series at a strong point. Tekken 8 is a robust package that features some of the most satisfying digital fisticuffs I’ve ever seen.
The grid-based combat adds the layer of complexity that The Fractured but Whole needs to stand out from its excellent predecessor. You'll still need to be a fan of the show to get the most of this. But if you are a South Park aficionado, The Fractured but Whole is another hilarious and fun game that captures the spirit of series.
Sundered is an easy recommendation for anyone who enjoys Metroidvanias. It has all the stuff you'd want, including a focus on exploration and finding new abilities. But it's interesting takes on character progression, death, and level layouts come together to make Sundered feel like something new. And gorgeous 2D art and animations back up the smart design.