Scars Above is an interesting title, especially given its launch price (about half of a typical AAA title). Mad Head Games' title offers ambitious gameplay concepts, combining shooting, RPG, and adventure elements. Though not groundbreaking, it presents a good mix that falters under the weight of unrealized ambition. Despite some technical and conceptual limitations, it's a solid "double A" game that could potentially lay the groundwork for a future series. We can only wait!
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Wild Hearts is undoubtedly a contender for the Monster Hunter throne, though it remains firmly in Capcom's hands. The collaboration between EA Originals, Koei Tecmo, and Omega Force delivers an excellent artistic realization, a dark and painful undertone, and a solid and original combat system. It's a valid and enjoyable formula, marred by some conceptual and technical limitations and a noticeable mechanical repetition. We are confident that the title will soon be freed from its technical flaws, but some physical and conceptual limitations will remain. That said, Wild Hearts is an excellent debut for what could become a full alternative to Monster Hunter's dominance over time.
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Shoulders of Giants is an excellent independent product, one of the best in the RPG shooter sector in terms of quality-price ratio. The gameplay crafted by the developers is solid, fun, and enhanced by four-player online co-op. Despite some technical imperfections and conceptual limitations, the game is sufficiently entertaining and rewarding.
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Hi-Fi RUSH is a wonderful surprise: a splendid visual and musical work with well-designed mechanics. Despite some repetitiveness and simplified aspects, the game's overall quality is impressive, especially at about half the price of a typical AAA title. Tango Gameworks' production can be considered a genre reference, attracting rhythm game newcomers and pleasing veterans who aren't exactly spoiled for choice in this genre.
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Monster Hunter Rise is probably the pinnacle of Capcom's series, despite being the least "traditional" chapter. The gameplay remains mostly unchanged, but the revisited, streamlined, and sped-up routine makes this the best and most accessible entry for both veterans and newcomers. Capcom's production has few flaws, mainly related to its technical prowess, which at times reveals its humble computational origins. Monster Hunter Rise is probably the first chapter that can be recommended to everyone without distinction: the hunt is open for all!
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Evil West is a fun, brutal, and frenetic game, blending B-movie humor and violence with an improbable western and horror twist. Despite good general and artistic premises, the gameplay is adrenaline-pumping but limited and relatively short, only slightly mitigated by online co-op and some variations. A double-A game that, despite showing some weaknesses, manages to entertain and suggest a future (hopefully not too distant) of additional content and new chapters.
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Star Ocean: The Divine Force is a generally good JRPG with solid role-playing and action components. However, it suffers from several conceptual and technical flaws, rendering it somewhat clunky and narratively and mechanically anonymous. Once again, the Star Ocean saga fails to match its past glory, but Square Enix and Tri-Ace's efforts to keep one of the most iconic brands alive are appreciated. As a fan, I hope to see a new Star Ocean chapter in the not-too-distant future!
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Modern Warfare II is a return to the past, conceptually and mechanically. This "back to the past" approach is largely successful: despite no major brand revolution (and perhaps some steps back in the campaign), the game maintains its customary solidity, offering a vast and varied content package. However, the retro focus might not sit well with fans accustomed to a faster, more adrenaline-fueled warfare mode. Additionally, the slower pace compared to other series entries may not appeal to casual players. A good chapter that doesn't revolutionize the series but might divide the fan base. For those who don't love Call of Duty, this won't change their minds.
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A small step forward, respecting the "ancient" direction: this is how we could describe A Plague Tale: Requiem, examined with the "eyes" of Innocence focused on the future. Asobo presents an intense and dark world, a more mature story (though perhaps less "captivating"), and well-crafted characters, starting with the two main protagonists. The developers have refined some aspects of the past experience, attempting to free it from rigid mechanical constraints. The attempt is mostly successful, though those expecting a significant innovation leap may be disappointed. Requiem confirms Asobo's skill in artistic and aesthetic design, though partly hindered by imposed fluidity limits.
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Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed is undeniably fun, especially with friends. Despite some simplicity, the game offers balanced and strategic gameplay with fitting cartoon graphics and a "maniacal" respect for the legendary films' legacy. However, the production is marred by technical and conceptual issues, primarily the single game mode and limited unlockables. It's a good game, priced about half of a typical AAA, and with proper developer support, especially in gameplay variety, it could become a competitive asymmetrical title reference.
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What more is there to say about Metal: Hellsinger? An original game with many strengths, embracing a meta-gameplay concept but, unfortunately, falls short in classic "game" numbers. A short campaign and design limitations partly overshadow the fun and furious rhythm-based gameplay, complemented by a legendary soundtrack. Recommended especially for shooter and metal fans (usually a standard combo). Could this be the start of a long game saga?
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Let's be clear: Saints Row is a reboot with an asterisk. A big asterisk since the main change from the past is the game's tone. The tone has shifted from absurd and brutally politically incorrect to a lighthearted and adolescent humor, more commercially viable and politically clean but probably less entertaining, especially for long-time fans. Overall, Volition's title is a fairly fun and lengthy open-world action game, but it offers a content package that's conceptually old and almost unchanged from previous entries. Additionally, at least on day one, the game is riddled with bugs and various imperfections, making the experience even more "tiring." What's left is a good dish, perhaps a bit blander than before but certainly already tasted.
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Cult of the Lamb is a small gem, an experiment nearly successful but not quite there: the mix of action and strategy, along with unique and well-crafted stylistic choices, makes it a contender for the title. What it lacks to enter the pantheon is a necessary content extension and more meticulous balancing of its parts. Nonetheless, it's a unique and interesting experience, perfect for those not particularly expert in the genre (and who don't have specific religious sensitivities).
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Severed Steel, despite some inherent limitations, is an excellent product: lively gameplay, ultra-dynamic action, a level design that endlessly reworks a few good concepts, all make up for a limited campaign only partially invigorated by the FireFight mode. A fine product at a reasonable price, sure to please those who enjoy shooters mixed with high doses of frenetic parkour.
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Redout 2 is certainly one of the best arcade racing titles on the market: compared to the past, developers have introduced many small but significant changes to enhance the gaming experience. The game remains dynamic and adrenaline-fueled, offering a high challenge level. This will delight veterans but might be tough for casual players. Overall, the work is excellent: many tracks, numerous customizable vehicles with various components. However, there are relatively few race types and game modes, especially for the currently underdeveloped online mode.
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Evil Dead The Game is a splendid homage to Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell's immortal "comic-horror" brand. The excellent work reviving the bloody glory of the film production blends well with a deep and well-crafted gameplay system, even if not revolutionary for the genre. Despite some technical hiccups and debatable design choices, Saber Interactive's title is one of the best in asymmetric multiplayer. However, it still struggles with the genre's main enemy, repetitiveness. But with proper support, the game will surely have a long life!
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Not a revolution, but a definite expansion: this marketing-like motto perfectly describes Rogue Legacy 2, the second chapter of the roguelike saga that began about ten years ago. Cellar Door Games has expanded and improved every aspect of the game, making it one of the best roguelikes on the market, even allowing difficulty adjustment for newcomers. Fans of the first will love the second even more. However, after ten years, some might have expected more significant steps to evolve the series, but that may come in the future.
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Changing without changing: this sums up Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, the latest installment in the Borderlands saga, though technically a spin-off. There's no revolution, just a slightly different perspective on the classic formula Gearbox introduced about ten years ago. Despite no major changes, the game entertains with its tried-and-true (though repetitive) formula, paradoxical humor, and co-op mode that will delight many players. A good chapter in the saga, confirming its quality, but unable to renew the "static" series.
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Edge of Eternity is a commendable title with rich content and personal interpretations. Appeals to Japanese RPG fans with its challenging gameplay and elaborate story, despite some technical flaws.
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Battlefield 2042 is good but not excellent. Some new features stand out, but it doesn't surpass the best entries. Accessible to newcomers but has technical issues. Not the best, but not the worst either.
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