Tomas Franzese's Reviews
Slitterhead is the most creative action game that I've played this year, but it's also deeply flawed.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a return to form for this once-lauded RPG studio that should satiate Dragon Age fans quite well after a decade-long wait. But returning to form and perfecting form are not the same thing. BioWare has plenty of room to regrow as it gets back on track making the kinds of games RPG fans want them to create.
Max Caulfield’s journey resonates with me deeply, and Deck Nine has demonstrated that it can give that character the respect she deserves. I may not love every aspect of its gameplay or ending, but I’m glad Max’s story continued. I can’t say whether or not Double Exposure will feel like it was made for you, too, but I can affirm that the Life is Strange series can still capture that feeling.
Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster proves that Capcom's experimental zombie classic still holds up today.
The Plucky Squire wants players to understand the impact art has on us, and it succeeds with flying colors.
I could see a great Star Wars game in the stellar world design and emergent moments that truly put me in the shoes of a smuggler. Anytime Star Wars Outlaws allowed me to live that fantasy, I was happy to be in its orbit. But so often, it left me hanging in the airlock.
I still haven’t accessed its true ending yet because you can only use one continue before your opportunity to get it goes away, but I might just keep playing Volgarr the Viking 2 until I do. Whether you’re a fan of difficult old-school 2D platformers or not, this is a modern take on a classic formula that anyone can get into with enough time and effort.
Kunitsu-Gami constantly encourages players to stay engaged, whether that be because they have to plan out the maiden’s path, actively fight enemies during the night, or craft their own interpretation of its mostly dialogue-free narrative. While some parts of the journey can get repetitive, Kunitsu-Gami rewards those who pay attention, learn its deep systems, and adapt to whatever wacky situation it throws at them. There’s nothing else quite like it.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 is a visual stunner for Xbox even if its gameplay isn't too creative.
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door stands the test of time and is fantastic on Nintendo Switch.
Stellar Blade is a masterclass in style, but it's lacking substance.
Another Crab's Treasure utilizes its charming setting and assist mode options to become one of the most approachable Soulslikes ever.
Sand Land is a definitive adaption of a great Akira Toriyama manga, but just fine as a game.
Dragon's Dogma 2 is an exhilarating, if occasionally frustrating, RPG full of dynamic player-driven moments.
Penny's Big Breakaway isn't one of the genre's greats, but it's a very unique and fun 3D platformer.
Helldivers 2 is one of the most entertaining co-op games you can get on PS5.
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League constantly finds ways to stop players from enjoying this bombastic cooperative shooter.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a monumental achievement in approachable, seamless Metroidvania design.
God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla isn't just a fun free DLC; it's a fitting epilogue to the entire God of War series.
Arizona Sunshine 2's technical problems prevent an otherwise solid zombie VR shooter from reaching its full potential.