Umar Bastra
The First Samurai doesn't end the tale of Nioh 2 in a satisfying way but it does provide a meaningful and fun loot experience. Bbrutal new enemies and new gameplay modes makes the complete package of this game something truly special.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity falters greatly in its narrative. The time-traveling aspect felt like a cheap and easy way to rewrite history without actually adding much to the established lore. That said, this did allow Princess Zelda to shine which ended up being a pleasant surprise. The gameplay is the main hook and it's a bloody fun one at that. There is lots to love here if you can ignore the story.
As a stand-alone experience, The Tengu's Disciple is a bit on the short end and there's not much to the story at all, but it does provide some of the best boss battles to date. If the rest of the upcoming DLC provides the same level of gameplay and showdown quality as this chapter does, then Nioh 2 is going to have some incredible longevity going forward.
For better and worse, Nioh 2 feels like more of the same. Tired environmental design and rehashed gameplay elements sully what is otherwise an addictive and exhilarating loot-based hack and slash samurai adventure.
With one of the most addictive turn-based battle systems you'll find today in a JRPG, Tokyo Mirage Sessions was a blast to play. It's just unfortunate that the story and characters were about as bland as flavourless rice cakes.
Indivisible is one of the more memorable Metroidvanias that I've played in recent years with its unique and addictive combat system. Story issues aside I enjoyed every minute I spent with this game.
FromSoftware proves yet again that they're masters of their craft. Every aspect of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is just so lovingly crafted that any flaw feels like a droplet in an ocean of brilliance. Sekiro is the full package with immensely satisfying combat and an intriguing world to explore and discover.
Kingdom Hearts 3 was an unforgettable experience and as a long-time fan, it was everything I could've hoped for. Terrible story pacing aside, this is a special game and a fitting end to an over decade-old saga.
A slight downgrade in some visual effects and audio quality do little to hold back what is otherwise a great and smooth port of Dark Souls.
Dragon Quest 11 falters in the pacing of its story and features an unimpressive OST but at the end of the day, this game is like getting together with an old friend and hanging out on a cool summer's day; it's familiar and oh so comforting.