Tomas Franzese's Reviews
It's an expertly written, socially relevant RPG about how those with wealth and power will constantly fight over control of others, even as the universe tears itself apart. Its skills and perks aren't afraid to impact your playthrough in ultra-specific ways, and its hand-crafted planets ensure the entirety of the adventure is memorable.
Its open world is fun to explore but basic, its combat is equal parts simple and frustrating, and it doesn't lean into the RPG mechanics of the tabletop game as much as I hoped. Still, Phyre and Fabien's journey is one I don't regret experiencing, and it proves to me that there's potential for a AAA RPG starring vampires.
There are moments, specifically during flashy boss fights or particularly tough levels, where Ninja Gaiden 4 shines. Unfortunately, a lackluster story, repetitive content, and a general lack of polish on important gameplay elements like the camera make the series' grand return anticlimactic
While a game where you control a lighthouse and a bird might look extremely odd on the surface level, give Keeper a chance and you'll discover one of the most beautiful games I've played in years
If you can look past Battlefield 6's campaign, though, you'll find what's otherwise the best game in this series since 2016's Battlefield 1. The massive battles, character class system, and destruction that make Battlefield what it is are all as good as ever in Battlefield 6. Even with Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 on the horizon, I expect this will be my go-to multiplayer shooter for the foreseeable future.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a stunning, ambitious first outing for Sandfall Interactive.
Avowed embraces what works best about Obsidian Entertainment's games to offer an unforgettable adventure.
Sid Meier's Civilization VII succeeds at making one of the most storied strategy game franchises still feel fresh.
Marvel Rivals is the most entertaining hero shooter since Overwatch.
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.