WoW TBC Classic hits the usual highs, but it's a timesink.
Griftlands shines in unexpected places.
Ultimately, it's not surprising to see Trials of Fire emerge out of Early Access as a strong deckbuilding contender. That time spent listening to player feedback was used wisely, and balancing, tone, and innovation have all been tweaked with a deft hand. While some of its elements shine more brightly than others, and the more involved nature of the game means it's a tougher sell for players looking to rapid-fire their way through its learning curve and combinations, Trials of Fire leaves Early Access as yet another strong, captivating deckbuilding game that borrows from tabletop roleplaying games and roguelites to carve out a name for itself.
Ultimately, however, Judgment on PS5 is the best version of a great game, with no hiccups in the transition to current-gen consoles and a few exceptional benefits for players to enjoy. Judgment remains, like a crucial discovery in Yagami's case, strong evidence that Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio knows its way around compelling crime narratives in a way few other developers can aspire towards. Like its setting, it's not perfect in any sense, but also like Kamurocho, the flaws are another reason to get drawn in, and Judgment on PS5 is a must-play for anyone who enjoys a good detective story.
NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139... isn't just a comprehensive remake that makes some startling updates - it's also a proof of concept for the series moving forward. The story holds up, the refined combat is engaging, and its charm and melancholy both resonate with a player long after they've put the controller down. In revisiting NieR's past, it becomes clear just how bright its future is. NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139... is something worth playing in 2021 and beyond, and a one-of-a-kind JRPG that continues to challenge convention even a decade after it first began to do so.
Kingdoms of Amalur's shine has dulled a little bit.
Shadowlands impresses in every way.
Seven Knights - Time Wanderer is an engaging RPG for Nintendo Switch that does just enough to feel like a full console game rather than a mobile port.
An endlessly enjoyable story, a unique take on combat that fuses puzzle-solving with RPG traditions, and a beautiful world full of adventure makes Paper Mario: The Origami King yet another must-play Nintendo Switch experience.
While Xenoblade Chronicles wasn't perfect and neither is Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition, they are two versions of one great JRPG. Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition lives up to its billing as the de facto best way to experience one of the most criminally underplayed titles of the last decade. With a slew of subtle ease-of-life additions and content that will keep fans hungry for even more, Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition proves that the great ones always find a way to stand up to the test of time.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake is a picture-perfect return to Midgar.
A golden example of how additional content can make a game feel brand new.
Tom Nook's latest venture is profitable for fans and villagers alike.
Fire Emblem Three Houses: Cindered Shadows DLC offers a condensed offering of what made the base game great, and is a must-own for fans of the series.
Our MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries review is in, and it's a game that flirts with greatness before settling into a more middling experience.
Pokémon Sword & Shield is a worthy inheritor to the franchise's best traits and a wonderful first step forward into the future with a few stumbles.
Death Stranding is dizzying, unshakable in its belief it is doing something worthwhile, and it's one of the most important games of this decade.
The Witcher 3: Complete Edition for Nintendo Switch makes some sacrifices to go portable, but it's worth it for those looking for Geralt on the go.
eFootball PES 2020 is a strong leap forward for Konami's perennial second-place soccer game, and while it still doesn't beat FIFA, it comes close.
Frankly, it's remarkable that something so inherently offensive to modern-day MMORPG sensibilities has the audaciousness to be this incredible.