Lou Contaldi's Reviews
Super Mario Maker 2 is the game that keeps on giving, while leaving enough room to build in the future--despite a few places for improvement.
Far Cry New Dawn is both a magnificent re-imagination of the storied series, and a lackluster approach by Ubisoft plagued with repetition.
Kingdom Hearts III is a dazzling display from Square Enix; the best game in the universe, and among the best from the legendary studio.
Spyro Reignited Trilogy for PS4 and Xbox One is a fire-breathing hit, thanks to a deft remastering of one of the original PlayStation's best game franchises.
Wonder Wickets is firmly one of the better mini-golf games you are going to get on PC. While I don't see this as a game that will revitalize the genre, if you are looking to scratch an itch after playing Golf Story, this will be your game.
While there may be plenty of things I'd like to change in Gal Metal, the core of the game is an unmistakably fun time. With so many heavy hitters on the market in 2018, sometimes you need to just sit down, unwind, and out-play alien invaders with electrified versions of classical music.
SoulCalibur VI is undoubtedly one of the finest fighting games of this generation, and one worth exploring even if you can't get into the broader fighting genre. With rich and complex campaign modes and robust gameplay, SoulCalibur VI is a game I will return to for years to come.
Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner M∀RS is both an antique and gem of its time, and one worth reexamining–especially if you've got a VR headset. But before diving in head first into an Orbital Frame, run a diagnostics on whether you are interested in returning to a PS2 game.
SNK Heroines: Tag Team Frenzy is a light fare for fighting games, but there is more than enough smart systems to keep fighting game aficionados interested. Even better, the game is a cute entry point for people new to the genre. So long as you aren't expecting a deep combat system or extensive PvP functions, you won't be let down. Either way, the fabulous SNK heroine cast will likely impress–one way or another.
Pro Evolution Soccer 2019 is the most polished football game on the market. Full stop. And despite all my nitpicking, FIFA will have a lot to prove when it rolls out later this month. Although PES 2019 takes some major blows, they make up lost ground with added variety and fine-tuning an already tight system.
Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate is a must buy for established fans looking for their Nintendo Switch port, but is a far cry from the series' recent peak. Those who have tried the game and couldn't catch the bug likely won't be swayed by this version. Instead, people who have dived in and fallen in love with the franchise within the year now have a definitive way to play one of the greatest handheld iterations that Monster Hunter has seen.
There's no doubt a ton of positive elements to We Happy Few, but it seems like a fantastic world clouded over by overzealousness on the part of Compulsion Games. While they should be lauded for their hand in crafting a world that I wanted to dissect every inch of, too much of the game feels like filler for its own good. Perhaps with a little Joy, We Happy Few could be more palatable to modern audiences.
Dead Cells is likely the defining point of the Roguelike genre, thanks to refined combat and clever blending of genres. Whether you are looking for a quick pick-up game or are wanting to get lost in a multi-hour gameplay loop, very few games can master their own genre so well as Dead Cells manages to do. Fan of Roguelikes or not, this is a game that shouldn't pass you by in 2018.
Bring the Crunch is another notch in the belt for South Park: The Fractured But Whole, offering fans another reason to come back to Colorado. Sure, if you aren't a huge fan of the first game, this DLC isn't going to change your mind. But this horror-themed storyline is going to be enough to keep most series' fans going until the next season starts up.
Moss is one of those games that will not only re-introduce your VR headset to your entertainment center, but makes the argument that it should be there permanently. With fantastic world building and an endearing protagonist, Moss hits way above its weight — creating one of the few captivating, must-play stories on VR.
Much like Mega Man's transformation himself between series, Mega Man X Legacy Collection feels like an upgrade on all fronts and should be an entry point for all Mega Man novices and longtime fans. Sporting the add-ons that made the previous collection great and smart new cohesion and modes to tie the package together, Capcom outdoes itself with another remastered collection.
Much like Mega Man's transformation himself between series, Mega Man X Legacy Collection feels like an upgrade on all fronts and should be an entry point for all Mega Man novices and longtime fans. Sporting the add-ons that made the previous collection great and smart new cohesion and modes to tie the package together, Capcom outdoes itself with another remastered collection.
Unravel Two is a standup performance by developer Coldwood Interactive, improving on the original in nearly every way. Whether you have a friend to play with or not, Unravel Two is one of the finest puzzle platformers and couch co-op games in 2018. Though not everything is quite as manageable in single-player as in the main campaign and the narrative is lacking, my five hours with Yarny still had the same wonder as the original title — just with much better mechanics.
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is a faithful port of the Wii U puzzle game — one that makes no compromises for the entirely handheld experience. Despite some missed opportunities that Nintendo could have latched onto, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is a game that shouldn't be missed for anyone looking for a relaxed mental challenge.
So much of Far Cry 5: Lost on Mars is a unique take on the Far Cry 5 layout. While it may be a shallow five-hour romp, fans of the original will get their kicks while turning some aliens into exploding cows. And isn't that all anyone is really asking for?