Disintegration is a straightforward experiment that offers an intriguing if derivative world to explore and characters to like. Its FPS/strategy mix of gameplay is inherently limited, especially in multiplayer, but the campaign still makes for an enjoyable romp.
Despite some interesting ideas, Someday You'll Return is much less than the sum of its parts. It's not unplayable or a buggy mess but fails to really conjure any kind of intrigue or dread despite its attempts.
Despite its setting, XCOM: Chimera Squad is very much a spin-off from the main series. Its RPG-like characterizations and new mechanics gel well, even if it lacks some of the more defining features of its predecessors. Well worth a look, especially for those seeking a faster-paced tactical experience.
It's been a long, long wait but Black Mesa is here. If you've never experienced Valve's original masterpiece, want to wax nostalgic about real story-telling in an FPS, or just want an excellent game to play, Black Mesa is where it's at.
Mandate of Heaven may not be a total overhaul to the series' formula but it still offers a lot of new things. The familiar map and lackluster new units are offset by the entertaining new styles of play, new heroes and interesting events. Definitely worth checking out if you've been itching to get back into Three Kingdoms.
Destiny 2: Shadowkeep is a decent start for the next year of content, banking heavily on nostalgia and few mechanics. If you just want an excuse to play Destiny, it should suffice.
Monster Hunter World: Iceborne has everything that a fan could possibly want - challenging monsters, tons of new weapons and armor, an incredibly in-depth combat system with even more nuance thanks to new moves and mechanics, and a boat-load of new quests. The typical annoyances remain but don't let that stop you from undertaking this icy exodus.
Despite concerns with the shift in setting, Age of Wonders: Planetfall presents a fun, 4X-style turn-based strategy experience. It's already stellar combat is bolstered by some solid diplomatic options, excellent race design and well-designed environments.
Total War: Three Kingdoms could have scraped by with minimal new features. Thankfully, it combines the Three Kingdoms universe with a bevy of compelling features and improvements to deliver a worthy follow-up in the series.
The mystery unravels at a decent pace in Close to the Sun but limited gameplay, some flat characters and a fairly uncompelling narrative make it passable at best.