AJ Moser
Outside of those unfortunate problems, Fire Emblem Fates provides the memorable gameplay of the series and a formidable, entertaining challenge for any 3DS owner. The added stress of betraying characters you've come to admire elevates the narrative tension to a natural and organic height.
Outside of those unfortunate problems, Fire Emblem Fates provides the memorable gameplay of the series and a formidable, entertaining challenge for any 3DS owner. The added stress of betraying characters you've come to admire elevates the narrative tension to a natural and organic height.
It's a shame that Street Fighter V currently suffers from a lack of content, because with free updates and patches, a legendary fighting game is waiting just below the surface. In a few months I hope we can look back on this tumultuous launch as an afterthought to the greatness I know that this game could hold.
My favorite moments in Reigns came from making a critical mistake and watching my regime crumble before my eyes. The knowledge that no error would bring my experience to an end kept me entering every situation with an open mind, rather than trying to preserve my kingdom. I sent a lot of good men to their deaths in Reigns, but I still feel better about myself than if I had spent that time on Tinder.
Titanfall 2 builds on the promises of the first game in every way imaginable. Rewarding gameplay innovations remain intact, providing consistent thrills in both multiplayer matches and the campaign. Fans of the genre will find themselves blown away by the unique level design, even if the narrative fails to stand tall.
As the latest entries in a series that has been accused of growing tired, Sun and Moon comprise a complete Pokémon package that welcomes change but still provides the same thrills fans have come to love.
In its finished form, the game tells a story with uncompromising vision and engrossing emotional heft. The resulting experience comes off as delicately prepared, and the mythical nature of the game's development only enhances the fantastical tale at its core.
Though Horizon doesn't represent a revolution in open-world adventures, it borrows heavily from past success stories and elevates the genre to a beautiful new standard.
There is always something new to discover, but at your own pace. Somehow, the adventure never loses momentum over dozens of hours of exploration, the inspired design holds up, making for an unmistakable Zelda game that completely changes everything expected from the series.
In many ways, this new chapter fails to live up to its predecessors.
Has-Been Heroes is a challenging and charming indie adventure
Snake Pass is a welcome twist on puzzle-platforming
Overall, this is a game of inconsistent highs and lows. The simple joy of interacting with a colorful, childish world serves to remind us of a different time for video games. But when stuttering camera angles send you plummeting off a high platform, the lack of polish is painfully obvious. Further patches and updates might be able to salvage the solid foundation that Yooka-Laylee is built on, but in its current state, it does little more than present a charming love letter to its predecessors.
Prey is an excellent, atmospheric shooter that'll get under your skin
Injustice 2 gives ample reason to check back almost daily, whether to strengthen an individual character or progress your guild's reputation. With a solid story mode and comprehensive tutorials, it never once feels like the fighting mechanics are too difficult to grasp. While it may not be the most technically impressive or competitive fighting game ever made, Injustice 2 surely is one of the most accessible and difficult to put down.
Overall, ARMS is a solid foundation for a game of its kind. Nintendo has already confirmed post-launch support in the form of new fighters, stages, and modes. With simple menus and bright colors, the presentation here is immaculate. After playing over 30 hours of ARMS, it is hard not to be excited to see where the community grows from here. Still, players need to understand that they are coming in on the ground level of an experimental fighting game that will only feel more rewarding as time goes on.
There is something great at the core of Dead By Daylight, past the mindless action controls and nagging glitches. The game is far from unplayable, but the persistent problems make it impossible to recommend for people who plan to play alone.
Although this sequel lacks the inspiration of its predecessor, the Splatoon experience has never been better.
You'll always need a stronger gun or a better piece of equipment, and that hunt defines the reason you're likely to keep playing Destiny 2 long after the story ends.
Some of the mechanics and gameplay tropes will be familiar to anyone who has played modern indie platformers, but the unique quirks presented here are among the best in recent memory.