AO Tennis 2 is a better-looking, smoother-playing and more fully-featured follow-up to the original.
Helheim Hassle is a limb-lobbing, rib-tickling puzzle-platformer that suffers slightly from overly finicky controls.
PGA Tour 2K21 delivers the most flexible and enjoyable game of golf since the Tiger Woods series was at its peak.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon takes some bold steps in a new direction for the series but neglects to maintain its balance.
Little Nightmares 2 delivers similar stealth and scares to the original, but leaves less of a lasting impact.
Axiom Verge 2 is a dual-dimensional Metroidvania that's engaging to explore despite its one-dimensional combat and underwhelming boss fights.
Hoa is a beautiful but brief puzzle-platform adventure that's all chilling and no killing.
Lost Judgment disappoints with its main story and simplistic detective work, but excels with its substantial school-based side quests.
Death Stranding Director's Cut is more accessible than the original, but feels like a compromised version of the director's vision.
Alan Wake Remastered is a fairly inessential upgrade for existing fans, but this moody mystery is still well worth a look for newcomers.
Martha is Dead is an unflinching and utterly absorbing ordeal to be endured rather than enjoyed.
Sniper Elite 5 is still a satisfying and spectacularly gross way to shoot Nazis in their nether regions, but it feels like the series needs to start aiming its sights a little higher.
Madison is a creepy crawl through a twisted haunted house with enough genuine out-of-your-seat scares to leave you shaken like a Polaroid picture.
Metal: Hellsinger might not be the greatest demon-slaying shoot 'em up in the world, but it's certainly a stirring tribute.
The Callisto Protocol is a satisfyingly gory spiritual successor to the Dead Space series, but it’s ultimately more of a striking modern mimic than a scary new mutation.
Like a Dragon: Ishin! is an enjoyable and interesting spin-off from the Yakuza series, but not an essential one.
If you’re after a frictionless, family-friendly platforming adventure that’s heavy on charm and light on challenge, then Disney Illusion Island fits the bill better than a muzzle on Donald Duck.
Like a Dragon Gaiden’s combat hits with flash and fury and its story is sharp, but its setting and side activities feel a bit on the stale side.
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora features a stunning alien world to explore, but doesn’t contain as many genuine surprises as other modern open-worlds.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong might not be as polished as a Mini-Mario toy fresh off the assembly line, but it's just as full of charm and fun to play with.