In Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, Square Enix once again proves its ability to do a remake justice. The new orchestral soundtrack and handcrafted visual style not only elevate the immersion, but also make the game more enjoyable. The changes that streamline both story and gameplay also make the transition to newer hardware much more enjoyable. Combined with the deep accessibility options that let you adjust the difficulty and the episodic structure of the separate islands, this makes for a long RPG that even the busiest players will be able to enjoy at their own pace. If the quality of recent Dragon Quest games sets a new standard, I can’t wait to see what the teams at Square Enix will show us next.
2XKO is a fun arcade fighter and a great introduction to the genre for newcomers. The Fuse tag-team mechanics offer a fresh take on the existing formula and provide plenty of strategic depth, whether you're playing alone or with a friend. Match and lobby creation is seamless, even when playing cross-platform. The free-to-play model doesn't restrict access to major content. Everything can be unlocked by playing; it just takes longer to unlock characters this way. However, if you enjoy playing it as much as I do, spending time on it won't be an issue. If you want to try out 2XKO, it's available on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Hollow Knight: Silksong is the perfect sequel. It’s bigger and better in every way imaginable. The world of Pharloom is a joy to explore, despite the added challenges of boss fights and platforming. The split currency can be frustrating at times, but patches have mostly fixed the problem, and resolving this imbalance wouldn’t make sense in the context of the story. The addition of a voiced protagonist in the form of Hornet also enhances the immersion in this world, and once Pharloom has its hooks in you, it won’t let go. The game may be difficult to master, but with enough practice, you can work your way through and even slay gods.
Dragon Quest I+II HD-2D Remake is a tribute to the two iconic games released forty years ago. It is a museum piece that showcases the origins of the Fantasy JRPG series to modern and returning audiences. The stunning visuals and musical score will sweep you away, while new additions to the gameplay and storyline will ensure this classic formula remains engaging.