Alexa Ray Corriea
Yo-kai Watch 2 does preserve the quirky tone and charming writing that made the first game so engaging, but its lack of iteration is problematic in that there aren't enough fresh ideas to color its monotonous gameplay.
Hatoful Boyfriend makes fun of the dating simulator genre by turning it on its head, making it weird and outrageous. The witty dialogue and absolutely bonkers scenarios are genuinely fun to discover, and the handful of different storylines make repeated playthroughs worthwhile. It's not groundbreaking material, but it's laughable — in a good, entertaining way.
Team Ninja and Omega Force have forced Zelda's universe into the confines of a beat-em-up, but much of the charm and appeal was strained out in the process.
Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call adds depth to the best parts of its predecessor
Little Big Planet 3's focus on creative expression is underutilized in its story campaign but shines in its level editor.
Tales from the Borderlands is a beautiful new twist on the Borderlands experience with lovable leads and breathless action sequences.
Game of Thrones' first episode is a slow-burn beginning to a bloody political thriller with an original cast that shines.
With the stage setting done, the second episode of Game of Thrones feels like something plucked straight from the source material--gut wrenching, tense, and bloody.
New time management tools and tweaked battles make Majora's Mask 3D a comfortable fit for Nintendo's handheld.
Kirby and the Rainbow Curse oversimplifies its mechanics, making for an experience alternating between frustrating and dull.
Tales from the Borderlands continues to tickle your funny bone and warm your heart with its second episode.
Final Fantasy Type-0's storyline may not be the most engaging, but it's combat system makes it hard to put down.
Telltale's journey through Westeros has hit a high point.
Life is Strange still suffers from some problematic dialogue and "gamey" sequences, but the emotional payoff is worth the effort.
The third episode of Life is Strange marks the series' high point, with poignant emotional moments and a twist that turns the narrative on its head.
Game of Thrones' fourth episode prioritizes verbal sparring over the physical kind, slowing down the action and packing in new twists to tension's detriment.
Tales from the Borderlands' third episode is its best yet, a shining example of Telltale's branching narratives and a gut-busting, heart-pounding thrill ride.
Game of Thrones' fifth episode is a return to what we expect from something attached to the HBO series: bloodshed, intrigue, and bitter heartbreak.
Life is Strange's penultimate episode abuses its own mechanics and drags the pace down, but bookends its slog with two powerful, well-worth-it gut punches.
The studio behind Dear Esther and Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs have achieved audiovisual and narrative excellence with their latest adventure.