Hayes Madsen's Reviews
Mercury Steam clearly knows what makes a Metroid game a Metroid game, and they've brought that back on the 3DS while adding in a little bit of variation of their own. It's been a long time since Samus got the spotlight, and boy is Samus Returns one heck of a way to come back.
Yakuza 6 doesn't bring up every plotline or major character that Kiryu has interacted with, but it is a finale for the hero. This is a more a story of him finding his place and purpose, coming to grips with his mistakes, and figuring out what he's willing to sacrifice.
It may not do everything fans wanted, but this is one unforgettable conclusion to an already memorable journey.
The fact that so little is, or needed to be, changed is a strong testament to the quality of the originals. The Reignited Trilogy only helps cement the fact that the three original Spyro games are some of the best platformer/collectathons ever made.
For the first time since the very first Valkyria Chronicles, it feels like the series has realized its full potential. It's easily the longest Valkyria game yet, but it doesn't suffer for it. Longtime fans have a lot to love here and for newcomers, it's the very best place to try the series out.
It's amazing to think that we've gotten now four Yakuza games in the span of nearly a year and a half, and yet, Yakuza Kiwami 2 doesn't feel old or overdone. The amount of content, and the quality of said content is staggering.
Without a doubt, this is the very best place for newcomers to jump on, but there's still plenty of depth for vetaran fans. In all respects, from the guest character to the presentation and new mechanics, this is the best that SoulCalibur has been in a long time. It's not just one of the best fighting games of the year, it's one of the best games of the year, period.
This is easily one of the biggest Tales experiences to date, and pretty much everything about Tales of Vesperia still holds up by today's standards. Whether you're experiencing the game new, or replaying it for the umpteenth time, Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition is a JRPG worth adding to your collection.
It's honestly amazing that it took this long for Trails of Cold Steel to make its way to PS4, and if you missed the game in the past, you have no excuse now.
With an entirely original story and streamlined side content, Judgment is easily the best place to get introduced to the Yakuza formula, and for longtime fans it’s the best Dragon Engine game yet. Either way, it’s one you shouldn’t miss out on.
Astral Chain could is one of the best games on Nintendo Switch, period. PlatinumGames has proved, once again, that no one does stylish action games better, and I sincerely hope we get to return to the Ark again someday.
Code Vein is easily one of the sleeper hits of the year, and it’s an experience that’s a joy to sink your teeth into.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon might be a massive change for the series, but it certainly doesn't suffer for it. It's the most exciting and fresh the franchise has felt since Yakuza 0, and players will quickly fall in love with its quirky cast of characters. Like a Dragon is compelling because of how it plays double-duty as both a love letter and parody of the JRPG genre. Its story and combat system take some time to really come together, but once they do, it's a wild fever dream that's not easily forgotten, and one that can be enjoyed even by those who aren't traditionally interested in JRPG stylings and turn-based gameplay.
Persona 5 Strikers is a strong comeback.
Resident Evil Village is a grand return.
Shadow of the Colossus remains one of the most imaginative games of all time, and this remake only forwards what the original did. Without a doubt, this is the best way you can experience Fumito Ueda’s best game.
Although some visual and design elements feel a bit dated, Alan Wake Remastered is the definitive version of an all-time classic horror game.
Life Is Strange: True Colors - Wavelengths is an intimate look at one of the game’s most dynamic characters, and a laid-back experience with meaningful messages behind it.
Anonymous;Code is a stellar addition to the Science Adventure that’s sure to please fans, but still holds enough for newcomers to jump into as well.
Kena Bridge of Spirits is a charming adventure that packs a ton of heart, as well as a wealth of engaging systems.