Ashley Bates's Reviews
Metal Wolf Chaos XD isn't some grand revolution of the third person action genre. It's a 15 year old game where a president in a mech suit fights giant tanks, and that's fine by us.
Fantasy Strike's philosophy of a truly "accessible" fighting game is a successful one, with plenty to love for new fighting games players and veterans alike.
Blazing Chrome isn't some grand reinvention of the shoot 'em up genre at large, but for the most part, it does a masterful job of utilising the genre's best conventions. Definitely worth checking out.
The current lack of Amiibo Support and one or two needed improvements to the online modes mean it isn't "perfect", but Super Mario Maker 2 is the ultimate package for both casual and dedicated Mario fans. Absolutely brilliant.
Though some weak modes dampen the overall package, Samurai Shodown might just offer the best pure fighting game experience in recent memory, for both veterans and newcomers alike.
A great game that will likely be even better soon, Mortal Kombat 11 offers plenty for any fighting game fan, though it does need some refinement with regards to certain modes and features.
A pale imitation of a great franchise, Dangerous Driving just can't quite fill the hole left by Burnout.
A fun budget fighter that has its core mechanics in the right place but is currently missing a lot of content, Battle for the Grid is a good fighting game with the potential to become great.
The Xbox One launch means a new audience can experience the hilarious gameplay that Gang Beasts offers, but it won't do anything for players who own the game on other platforms.
For what it is, Dead or Alive 6 offers an enjoyable experience for new players and veterans alike, but the full package currently fails to deliver in a lot of key areas.
Though the core gameplay loop of getting better loop will undoubtedly hook players in, Anthem currently doesn't offer enough original content to make the investment worth it.
Though there are moments here that'll bring a smile to your face, Crackdown 3 is crammed with ideas and game design choices that were done better over a decade ago. Just play the original game and wash your hands of this version.
Fight of Gods was never going to be a contender with the likes of Street Fighter or Mortal Kombat, and it shows in the ropey albeit enjoyable gameplay. However, releasing the game without key modes and features makes Fight of Gods hard to recommend.
Though not the perfect JRPG experience, Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition still manages to stand shoulder to shoulder with modern offerings. A worthy purchase for new fans and veterans alike.
There's the nucleus of a great mech punch 'em up here, but Override: Mech City Brawl needs some more time in R&D before it can get there.
Crap gameplay, worse story and a terrible gimmick, The Quiet Man just barely manages to be ironically enjoyable, but you should probably leave well enough alone.
A must have for any beat ‘em up fan, Speed Brawl's unique take on the classic genre is well worth checking out.
Gripes with Tira notwithstanding, Soulcalibur VI exists in its own special pantheon when it comes to current generation 3D fighters. Even if you're not usually a SC fan, consider this your jumping on point.
Fingers crossed that Rebellion can continue this run of form with the next few content drops.
What Forza Horizon 4 might lack in terms of an overarching structure, it gains in amazing gameplay and a sheer amount of content.