Nicholas Ransbottom
There’s no denying that the action on the ice looks better than ever in NHL 25, and it’s nice to see Franchise Mode get some welcome changes that help it feel more authentic for those interested in the sim experience. But when I look at this year's entry as a whole it's quite lackluster.
Exciting combat, a deeply rewarding class system, and likable characters make Visions of Mana a great comeback for this classic RPG series.
NHL 24’s new gameplay features reinvigorate the on-ice action, but its collection of unimproved game modes has grown increasingly boring with each passing year.
Despite the addition of women players in HUT and tweaked mechanics like last-chance puck movements, NHL 23 barely feels it's changed from last year's offering. It's a fun but all too familiar hockey experience.
Monster Hunter: World is a remarkable game. It's a rich, worthwhile experience that you'll sink hundreds and hundreds of hours into thanks to incredibly fun multiplayer and engaging gameplay. The new additions and simplified mechanics couple well with the buttery smooth combat, making the game accessible and enjoyable to both new and returning players. By breaking the traditional Monster Hunter mold, World successfully thrusts the global status of the series from beyond the niche and into the mainstream.
Assassin's Creed: Origins is the best game in the series, but it's a mediocre action RPG at its core. In this sense, it both succeeds and fails at being a much-needed franchise shakeup.
Golf Story is well worth the addition to every Switch owner's library. Its zany cast, easy-to-grasp gameplay, and wonderful art design make for an incredibly rewarding experience.
Yakuza Kiwami has an engrossing story that's unfortunately bogged down by dull gameplay and repetitive battles.
Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is a superb RPG. Regardless of how you feel about the original, the new job system and overall gameplay tweaks ensure that this remaster is a worthy addition to your catalogue.
Episode Prompto is fun to play, and it's nice to see the character fleshed out even more; however, the script is far too cheesy and suffers from such bad pacing that it's hard to recommend it to anyone but Prompto fans.
The Caligula Effect is intended for a niche crowd that's made even smaller by the lack of fun it offers.
Horizon Zero Dawn isn't without its issues, but it's a thoroughly enjoyable game that belongs in every PS4 owner's library.
20 years later, Trio of Towns fits nicely into the mold that the series has made for itself. Failure to break out of it in the next entry, though, could be a great misstep for this farming franchise.
Final Chapter Prologue is a great game for series veterans, but it's severely lacking in content compared to previous collections.
With a fresh combat system and a lovable cast, Final Fantasy XV excels at its goal of being a title for both fans and newcomers alike.
Even the most hardcore visual novel fan is going to be hard pressed to find enjoyment with this unsatisfying mystery adventure.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition offers wonderful escapism and plenty of bang for your buck—provided you've never played it before.
With a lengthy adventure full of memorable story moments, Dragon Quest VII deserves a spot in every 3DS owner's library.
On its own, Neverwinter is a very solid and very enjoyable MMO — with its free price point, there's no reason that you shouldn't be giving it a chance.
Adventures of Mana is nostalgic in the best way possible, offering you a solid adventure, clever puzzles, and a breathtaking soundtrack.