If you’ve never had the opportunity to indulge in one of this brand’s prior incarnations, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy is a fantastic chance to explore your inner gumshoe
For all the complaints that I have about this year’s installment of MLB The Show, it’s still easily the most comprehensive and gratifying sports title on the market.
It may have felt like an eternity since the last proper Dead or Alive title, but the sixth installment picks up right where the last left off and makes substantial steps towards propelling the brand forward. Enhanced approachability and single player modes help build upon a stable of already solid content.
I have no doubt that Anthem will dramatically improve over time, but right now, this flight should remain grounded.
After a lengthy layoff, a franchise's odds of a successful return can be dicey at best. Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown, however, has managed to effortlessly fly back into battle without missing a shot. Everything that you loved about the old iterations has evolved with the times and delivered a solid new combat flight simulation experience. Anyone who has been eagerly awaiting the return will not be disappointed. You can rest assured that this is far from their maiden voyage, and hopefully there are far more battles to come.
Don't get me wrong. Smash Hit Plunder is an extremely entertaining game. However, if you're playing the game in single-player exclusively, expect to get burned out rather swiftly. Unfortunately, aside from keeping onlookers busy, the social screen mechanics don't deliver much more than an interactive distraction until they get their next turn under the visor. While I can guarantee that everyone will get some enjoyment from this rambunctious romp, depending upon how you consume the game, your mileage may vary.
Despite my desire to scream Borderlands 2 VR's praises from the mountaintop, objectively speaking, the overall package is a bit of a mixed bag. We already knew that the game was fun as hell, and that still remains true while the visor is on. However, odd control schemes, lack of core gameplay features from previous installments, and unfortunate legacy design decisions make this holistically feel like an inferior experience. If this is your first chance to explore Pandora, it's worth the journey, but if you're planning a return visit, you'd probably be better off firing up a previous version.
When you consider that Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden came out of nowhere, the insanely polished tactics gameplay and charming characters are absolutely remarkable. If you're looking for a darkly charming way to burn hours over the holidays, look no further than this apocalyptic hellscape. Who knew that the end of civilization as we know it could be so damn entertaining?
If you couldn't tell, I was blown away by Subnautica. What initially appeared to be a knee-high kiddie pool worth of depth, suddenly gives way to a literal ocean of gameplay opportunities. And while it has certain technical limitations, these are certainly not going to discourage the non-critic audience from at least dipping a toe in. It's easily one of the coolest, engaging, and most gratifying experiences I've had with a game in 2018. Come on in! The water's fine.
If you're new to the agricultural world, Farming Simulator 19 would be a solid place to cut your teeth. Just be prepared to throw out your first farm, while you attempt to figure out all of the intermingling systems at play. Fortunately, if this isn't your first rodeo, there isn't enough that's changed to make this transitional release off-putting. This is a case where more of the same is more than enough, as long as you are okay with self-directed entertainment. Your acreage may vary.
Those that make the plunge and purchase Battlefield V will still have plenty to be excited about. There will be a little something for everyone, which will only get better with time and countless updates. Plus, if you're looking for an excuse to make your PS4 GPU scream, look no further. Who knew that the horrors of war could ultimately end up being so goddamn beautiful?
Transpose came completely out of left field and knocked my proverbial socks off. It was a genuine pleasure to play. I went in with virtually no expectations and left feeling like I'd been swept up into something I never realized was even possible in VR. If you're looking for a no-frills puzzle experience that can scratch that Portal itch, look no further. This is the kind of perception-altering title that PSVR owners owe it to themselves to play.
For all it aspires to deliver, Mutant Football League is a refreshingly vulgar, entertaining take on a tried and true football formula. While the gameplay leaves something to be desired as far a depth and mechanics are concerned, the commentary and exaggerated presentation helps sand off some of the rougher edges. Over time, however, the charm will begin to fade, as will its overall appeal. Your mileage may vary, depending upon your maturity level.
The target audience for this product are either shameless zealots or complete newcomers. Given that there is no other legitimate source to play both games on a current generation console, either group will ultimately end up satisfied. However, if you are looking for fan service, you'll be gravely disappointed. Imagine that: Konami phoning something in? Why does that sound so familiar?
While it isn't going to be blowing the doors off of the tactical strategy genre, Space Hulk: Tactics is a perfectly adequate game. Thanks to a solid combat engine, good writing, twin-headed campaign, and level designer, players will certainly be getting their monies worth for the forty-dollar price tag. Now gear up and get back out there, brother. You've an entire species to defend!
No matter how you look at it, Mega Man 11 feels like a genuine successor to the storied franchise. Though it's much prettier than you'll remember in your mind's eye, the lineage is unmistakable. Aside from a few minor platforming quirks thanks to the introduction of the third dimension, this is still the Blue Bomber that you've come to know and love. But don't let the gorgeous presentation fool you, because it will still mercilessly kick your dick in with remorseless gusto. A heaping helping of retro-inspired, buster-blasting goodness awaits, so suit up. Your inner ten-year-old will thank you for it.
Without question, The Golf Club 2019 has received a large credibility injection thanks to the involvement of the PGA Tour. Sadly, this feels like a half-implemented crossover that doesn't utilize the license to anywhere near its full potential. Hitting the course is as gratifying as it's ever been, but the end product feels like it needed another trip to the driving range before its tee time. Like a 320-yard drive on a par 5, it's a fantastic starting point, but still well short of the flag.
Virtually everything about NHL 19 is a genuine step forward in quality. While some modes received the lion's share of the attention, it feels like damn near everything received SOME love. If you have been on the fence, now is the time to lace up and hit the ice. We'll see you between the pipes.
There are many things to appreciate in this year's installment of NBA Live. The addition of mixed gender rosters, female created players, the introduction of Court Battles, and the new commentary team all help the game keep pace with their previous improvements. It is not going to raise the quality bar anytime soon, but they've managed to deliver an authentic NBA experience. If you're looking for a solid alternative to 2K's offering, look no further.
If you take a step back and look at the big picture, it's hard to shake the feeling that Pro Evolution Soccer 2019 may actually be taking a step backwards this season. However, upon closer examination, a vast majority of the criticism consists of minor problems in an otherwise stellar football simulation. Unless the loss of Champions League is a deal breaker, at least on the pitch, this remains the premier choice for the discerning hooligan.