Philip Kollar


93 games reviewed
76.3 average score
80 median score
54.8% of games recommended
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9.5 / 10.0 - Super Mario Odyssey
Oct 26, 2017

For a character nearing 40 years old, it's amazing that Mario has remained not only a beloved character but one whose games are generally expected to be great. From that perspective, it's no surprise that Super Mario Odyssey is, yes, a great game. But more than that, it's a fantastic, even fundamental addition to Mario's legacy. From a plumber to a doctor to a tennis star to, uh, a Goomba, Mario has endured. No, this will not be the last Mario game, but it is almost certain to be lauded as one of his best.

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At the beginning of this review, I outed myself as someone who's not a huge South Park fan, but I've watched enough of the show to understand that this is its modus operandi. It foregrounds loud, over-the-top, “edgy” humor, and it backgrounds surprisingly thoughtful character arcs. South Park: The Fractured But Whole matches the show's strange mix of intentions; it is totally aligned in that way. And in that way, it provided the perfect reminder for why the show (and, to a lesser extent, this game) aren't for me.

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Oct 12, 2017

It's a brilliant horror game, one that understands when to ratchet up tension and when to pull back and let you collect yourself. If the first game was a failed attempt to capture the spirit of Shinji Mikami's classic Resident Evil 4, the sequel is a successful attempt at something much better: finding a chilling, exhilarating voice of its own.

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Oct 5, 2017

If you can get past the microtransactions, Shadow Wars seems set to provide a much meatier extended playtime than Shadow of Mordor ever offered. But more than anything, that's my biggest disappointment with Middle-earth: Shadow of War: Everything about it seems to come with a caveat, some small annoyance or two that you need to dig past to get to the still-very-fun game underneath. The Nemesis System is still a wonder that has yet to be replicated. The movement and combat are thrilling.

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Sep 26, 2017

Story has never been the pull of the Ys franchise for me, though, and if you're not yet familiar with the series, it's not why you should give this game a chance. And make no mistake: You should give Ys 8: Lacrimosa of Dana a chance. Developer Nihon Falcom has always been talented, but this project represents a new high for the studio, a game where each piece comes together and interlocks in a way that feels damn near perfect. Don't let the obscure name fool you; forgettable story aside, this is one of the best action-RPGs of this generation.

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8.5 / 10.0 - Absolver
Aug 29, 2017

Absolver recognizes its singular goal of building a robust, satisfying martial arts combat system. It leans into those strengths, and it's a better game for it.

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Aug 17, 2017

Despite the new protagonist, this game serves as a celebration of everything the Uncharted series has come to represent over a decade of mostly strong releases from Naughty Dog. And because of the new protagonist, it also offers a glimpse into what the franchise could become in the future, with some new developer leading the way. Naughty Dog did right by our memories here, and I hope that whoever takes on Uncharted next does right by them.

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9 / 10.0 - Pyre
Jul 24, 2017

Much of the pull of this world is delivered through Pyre's narrative, which drives the game forward in spite of the repetition of its sports game-style core. Sharply written dialogue is interspersed between rites, illuminating a story that branches in dozens of different ways. That plot is carried on the shoulders of a wonderful cast of characters – party members such as the gruff demon Jodariel, the bitter bog witch Bertrude and my personal favorite, Sir Gilman, a snake with a single large eye who wears a clunky metal helmet and wants nothing more than to be an honorable knight.

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7.5 / 10.0 - Conarium
Jun 6, 2017

Conarium could have pushed deeper, but it stays true to the spirit of Lovecraft's work

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6.5 / 10.0 - Perception
May 25, 2017

Perception features some strong moments but never fully commits to its big ideas

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8 / 10.0 - The Surge
May 15, 2017

The Surge successfully builds on its inspirations and finds its own voice

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6 / 10.0 - TumbleSeed
May 4, 2017

TumbleSeed's summit might be worth it, if you can stick through the climb

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7.5 / 10.0 - Outlast II
Apr 24, 2017

Outlast 2 made me feel terrible, but that's by design

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9 / 10.0 - Persona 5
Mar 29, 2017

It successfully pushes this series to new heights of polish, allure and charm. It has a few blemishes, enough to distract a bit from the intriguing and weighty themes that the game wrestles with. But even through the rough patches, Persona 5 doesn't give up a drop of its colorful personality.

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9.5 / 10.0 - Horizon Zero Dawn
Feb 20, 2017

Horizon Zero Dawn feels like a storied developer finally finding its voice

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8 / 10.0 - Nioh
Feb 8, 2017

Team Ninja has taken some big chances here. They don't all pay off, but the ones that do pull together for a game that justifies some of the pain required.

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Jan 23, 2017

It's hard to know if Resident Evil 7 will stand the test of time as much as classics like the original, or RE4. Taken on its own, however, it's an excellent game that pushes the series in worthy new directions.

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7.5 / 10.0 - The Last Guardian
Dec 5, 2016

The Last Guardian bounces between highs and lows without ever fully living up to its legacy

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9 / 10.0 - Final Fantasy XV
Nov 28, 2016

Final Fantasy 15's big heart and ambition easily outshine its flaws

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8 / 10.0 - Watch Dogs 2
Nov 14, 2016

Watch Dogs 2 improves on its predecessor but doesn't go as far as it could have

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