The steep learning curve is well worth the time investment as the enhanced and expanded diplomacy and management side moves the series forward in meaningful ways.
A statement that although might be a disservice to the advances we've seen in recent years when it comes to interactive story-driven titles, solidifies Observation as a great work of sci-fi fiction.
But for completionists or Mortal Kombat super-fans then perhaps the stingy nature of ‘unlocking everything' will take its toll.
As a blend of intrigue, mystery, sci-fi, and horror – Close to the Sun may not be the turn of the century BioShock that pre-release media might have suggested, but there's plenty of electricity and power to be found in the story it tells.
And really, when the crashes look like simple physics experiments from the late-90s that can trigger from the slightest of scrapes – it was destined to fall short of hitting its lofty Burnout spiritual successor goal.
As it stands it's is a ‘life sim' that could do with a little more of the former.
A city builder well worth visiting.
And now, we excitedly wait for Borderlands 3.
Above all though, it's understanding of the series long history and Clementine's journey making its final moments pack one hell of a bite.
The Division 2 is not only a refined follow-up, it's the arguably the best ooter shooter' this generation has seen.
Zane rocks.
For everyone else though, there's value in seeing Capcom go back to the over-the-top well that is Devil May Cry and deliver one of the most stylish games we've played in a while.
And it's here where once you understand the rhythm and feel of a level, the splashes of blood and primate rage truly becomes an instrument.
It’s a shame then that everything surrounding this core feels so disjointed. A story that lacks momentum outside of a few moments, mission design that reveals all its nuance in a matter of minutes, and a cumbersome progression system interrupted by walls
Sadly, few locations in Crackdown 3 fit this profile.
That said, for the quick and obligatory surface level comparison: it's a dash of Fallout, a sprinkle of BioShock, some Dishonored for flavour and Thief to darken the edges. Yet still, all Metro Exodus.
It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but then again there isn't a great need for wheels when you're dancing between clouds.
The added tension of wondering if your crew has been infected by some sort of alien parasite – and then watching as your ship slowly becomes a scene from sci-fi horror film, is exhilarating.
But due to the success of the platform, it also finds itself competing with many stellar indie platformers in a way that Super Mario Odyssey never did.
In a game where you use toilets to save, fight with a lightsaber-like weapon, assassinate strange and odd characters in a world chock-full of pop culture references and absurdism – that's strike three and four.