Sonic X Shadow Generations is a fantastic game that is made with such love and understanding of what a Sonic game should be. It relies on three major components that drive its main gameplay. That is its own history from its 2D past, 3D present, and the future. It integrates these components expertly, and it keeps things entertaining and fresh while trying to push the Sonic formula even further into a new realm.
Until Dawn is a riveting experience not unlike the original 2015 release. While the game looks fantastic, the adjustments to the game direction impacts some of that tension that had the hairs sticking up on the back of our necks in the original. These changes feel like a desperate attempt cater to modern audiences despite the fact the original game continues to remain relevant today.
Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO is a spectacular love letter to the franchise, including many key moments that have kept fans captivated over the long life of the franchise. These moments are nostalgic and warrant a playthrough alone, but the meticulous care and polish put into developing this game makes this one of the best fighting games of this generation.
Visions of Mana is an exceptionally well made JRPG and a perfect entry into the mana series for those looking to finally dive headfirst into this great and beloved franchise. The Mana games are finally back, and Visions of Mana is what I hope will be the first of many more games to come.
Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble brings back a classic series in a way that fans will adore. The short but sweet levels and tight controls are great, with a wide variety in levels to maintain interest. Though where it lacks polish is the online multiplayer, which was an ambitious move for the series that unfortunately falls flat compared to the solo adventure
Nightdive Studios’ System Shock remake revitalises the 30-year-old game with modern upgrades alongside design choices that give a hefty sense of retro, 90s-style gameplay. While some of these design choices could have been left in the history books, the game respects the OG title in this great remake.
Unicorn Overlord is an amazing game that should be played by all, this is the new leader in the genre. Take a journey down the path because the adventure is well worth it!
Nostalgia is best served hot, and Tomb Raider I-III is serving it hot. Aspyr has done a great job in balancing respect for the original Tomb Raider trilogy while adding additional detail to areas and enhancing the context of scenes and ambience. While some aspects of the games have aged poorly to today’s standards, Aspyr’s fresh coat of paint and polish remedies these shortfalls.
Silent Hill: The Short Message is a solid entry into the franchise that hammers down heavy themes onto the player, while still offering a tense atmosphere and engaging story. This game won’t please all fans of the series, but may just bring new ones in ahead of the next phase of releases.
A solid experience for those truly interested in an action-adventure rhythm game. Best played in a group or cooperatively, but solo is totally fine just a little more difficult. Fun, charming and at times chaotic, totally recommend this for a night of fun.
While Lords of the Fallen has some great ideas and foundations for a successful game, it’s trying far too hard to reinvent itself that a less is more approach to the game would’ve seen a much tighter and more fun experience overall.
If you had told me that one of my favourite games this year would be a videogame about a souslike Pinocchio, I would’ve told you that you would be dreaming. Lies of P scratches the itch that is a Dark Souls experience that’s as close as you will ever get to the original. The story draws you in as familiar characters come back to life in a gothic inspired world, but it’s the fantastic soulslike gameplay that made me come back for more. Just one more turn, one more checkpoint.