Despite an uninspired narrative, Unicorn Overlord impresses with gorgeous visuals and engrossing strategy action.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is a retro-JRPG throwback that delivers with great characters, an engaging story, and fun gameplay progression.
Tekken 7 is a fantastic fighting game when taken on its sheer fundamentals. People who are already well-versed in the genre will find a lot to chew on here: nuanced gameplay mechanics to learn, lots of characters to try out, and lots of neat cosmetic upgrades and historical extras to unlock. But if you're coming at this game fresh-faced -- or even as a 2D fighting game player making the jump to a 3D game -- you won't find a lot of in-game aid to explore its complex mechanics, and you're not likely to learn anything beyond button-smashing to get through the game's short and thoroughly underwhelming story mode, either.
Yakuza Kiwami makes great strides in updating the classic original Yakuza game to modern standards. But while it adds better combat, bizarrely charming side quests, and a gorgeous graphical revamp, it also ignores some of the original's biggest problems in pacing and storytelling. And because of its relatively short length, Yakuza Kiwami's fun trip through the tangled web of Japan's criminal underground feels like a prelude to something bigger and better to come.
Dragon Quest Heroes 2 feels like a step forward in some ways, but a step back in others. The new additions to combat are nice, but the attempts to bring more RPG elements to the story missions don't always work out for the best – at worst, they wind up transforming an enjoyable action game into a boring slog. At least it shows that Omega Force is willing to try new things with their long-established formula. Let's hope that their experiments go a little better next time.
Chibi-Robo: Zip Lash is a solid little platformer that entertains despite faltering at times. It's cute, it's charming, and it offers some nice little twists on the 2D action/grappling formula that make it stand out. Be warned, however, that you will likely come out of the experience with a serious sugar craving. (I want to try some of the tasty-looking German candy I collected, but I don't know anywhere around here that would carry it. Argh!)
As an upgrade to the excellent Sonic Mania, Sonic Mania Plus/Encore offers a pair of good new characters but underwhelms with new modes and content.
Mario and Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Games is easily the best installment in Sega's family-friendly minigame compilation. It's still not going to top the podium, but it's definitely a contender this year.
Hatoful Boyfriend is a unique experience, one that goes well beyond its bonkers concept and intentionally strange visual presentation. I was expecting to simply giggle at a nonsensical game in which I tried to woo feathered men, and what I received instead was wholly and wonderfully unexpected. Anyone with a taste for the unusual would do well to enjoy the company of these fetching fowl.
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 is a great-looking, fast-paced anime fighting game that remains true to its roots for better and for worse.
This enhanced remake of Etrian Odyssey 2 has a lot to offer both series veterans and newcomers.
If you're looking for on-the-go minigame mayhem, Mario Party: Island Tour is an enjoyable sojourn.
Though Ultra Despair Girls' action components stumble at points, the superb narrative and character development make the rest of the game a riveting experience.
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 is among the best games to emerge from this beloved franchise.
It’s a solid action game with a charming retro flavor that leverages RCR's foundation to construct both a new adventure and a different perspective on beloved game.
A handful of interface-related annoyances can’t fully drag down the cheerful spirit of this farming-themed social simulation.
A new kind of Devil Crush.
The fast movement and skillful action of Wizard of Legend sets it apart among a sea of indie roguelikes.
Mega Man 11 is a solid return for the Blue Bomber, but it's held back somewhat by overly long and frustrating stage design.
Taiko no Tatsujin's solid rhythm gameplay is a good hook, but Drum 'n' Fun's mini-games make the Switch version shine.