Melissa Vach
A puzzle worth brooding over
A fresh take on the narrative-driven game
A stunning audiovisual, platforming achievement
Time has never traveled more smoothly
Fun = True
Daventry's changed a bit, but it's still got heart
Magnetic steps just enough outside of Portal's shadow.
Technical issues mar an otherwise competent investigation
Definitive only by default
Unbalanced, but accomplishes what it set out to do.
We have a choice-based game that wants to redefine decision-making in games, but after Polarized ends we're left without the risk and reward and ultimately ends up minimizing both itself and its emotional impact.
Lara's had a rough ride to get where she is, but Rise of the Tomb Raider is definitely a game of the year contender and a promising sign of where Crystal Dynamics is taking the series. The game is tight, from both a narrative and gameplay standpoint, and it's got plenty to do. If you were a fan of the 2013 reboot, Rise expands upon the foundations set on Yamatai to offer a bigger, better game.
The story's dark undertones are never fully realized, but despite a fairytale ending, King Graham embarks on another worthy adventure filled with clever puzzles and endearing characters.
That Dragon, Cancer is an emotional powerhouse that doesn't hold anything back; it's a hard game to get through with dry eyes. Narratively it will please those who are looking for a game that allows the player to explore a game world, linear as it is, that merges together perfectly with the game design.
Unravel is artistic to its core; it makes up for its limited complexity by shaping an atmosphere that draws you in and makes you see Yarny as more than just a cute mascot, with music that's both mood appropriate to the game and a relaxing soundtrack outside of it.
Will you enjoy In Too Deep if you liked Telltale's other The Walking Dead series? Absolutely. Does it stand up to our expectations based on the previous series? Not really. A Walking Dead game in shape and form, Michonne just lacks the tension in atmosphere and decision making.
Quantum Break combines masterful storytelling with fast-paced combat and great acting to prove that linear games are still a force to be reckoned with. You'll want to play through this game more than once to catch all of the nuances it has to offer.
I can wholeheartedly recommend playing this game to anyone remotely interested in space or first person exploration games that are more focused on letting the player do what the player will. P.O.L.L.E.N stands up to Gone Home as a gaming experience, but early adopters of the Rift would be remiss to pass on experiencing this game in virtual reality.