Destiny 2 is a really solid game from a studio that feels like it's far more confident in what they have created for the sequel. While not always fun solo, it boasts well-crafted multiplayer gameplay with an addictive shoot-and-loot core loop. The end result is much closer to the original vision that the first Destiny was unable to grasp.
It's nice to see Madden NFL 18 taking risks and experimenting, with good results like the Longshot mode. Hopefully the franchise will continue to refine what works, and iron out some of the technical imperfections and lackluster game modes.
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is very charming and the whole aesthetic is a labor of love. However, pesky gameplay shortcomings and a nasty difficulty spike halfway through hamper this Nintendo love-letter.
Matterfall is a game filled with ideas and mechanics that seem fine on their own, but contradict and conflict with each other when added together. The experience is so short and stifled, that even with some enjoyable moments along the way, it's hard to recommend.
The lean gameplay and mechanics don't gel with the unfocused narrative, and it's a singular flaw that Tacoma can't overcome. There's plenty to like in the game, but it struggles to find a cohesive theme that brings the experience together.
Pyre definitely suffers from structural issues, and doesn't solidify into a truly great experience until its later half, but on the whole it's another fascinating entry from Supergiant Games - and that second half is worth it. Somewhat flawed, but recommended nonetheless.
Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles is an enjoyable enough adventure, but it's missing a hook to get players invested. The game wants you to get lost in the economy and exploration it offers, but in just performing these menial tasks for their own sake it fails to create any moments where the entire experience is more than a series of distractions.
It may have some flaws, but Rakuen really is an adventure worth taking. It successfully executes on modest heartfelt ambitions, and perfectly captures the vision of its creator - a rare occurrence in modern game design.
This is likely their best game since NetherRealm was founded within Warner Bros. The formula seems so perfect, it's hard to imagine anyone not finding something to enjoy in Injustice 2. Whether you like fighting games, DC Comics, or just superheroes getting into visceral combat, this is a sequel worth checking out.
Little Nightmares is like the long, intense screech of a violin before the jump scare - except that the scare never comes and the sound eventually fades to the background. Yes, it's dark and moody, but after establishing the atmosphere it never evolves into something that's really worth playing.
What Remains of Edith Finch is a good game, but it fails to arrive at a satisfying conclusion, or build on its gameplay and narrative themes in any satisfying way. Thus, it never elevates itself to be something more than a series of interesting distractions, tied to a mystery that never resolves itself.
There's not enough substance to Mr. Shifty to leave a lasting impression, but the moment-to-moment gameplay is certainly enough to get your blood pumping for a bit. In this case, that was certainly enough for me.
Thimbleweed Park feels like a party that Gilbert threw for his core audience, a true sign of appreciation for those who loved his previous work, and backed this game almost sight unseen. But for others, who aren't fans of Gilbert or the classic adventure genre, it's tough to recommend.
The overall changes in MLB The Show 17 may not be as impressive as those from last year, but this is still yet another solid entry from the powerhouse baseball simulation franchise.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild really is a joy to play. It's a Zelda game that is sure to satisfy those who've had it circled in their calendars all these years, but even if you've never been a fan of the franchise, this is an excellent place to start.
I wish there was more to do in Night in the Woods, but that doesn't stop it from being a delight. I love that it addresses something relevant and honest. It's a slice of life that speaks to a generation and explores a world with unusual depth.
Torment: Tides of Numenera is a technically flawed game on PS4, but I loved my time with it in spite of those issues, and would still highly recommend it. As a cRPG it’s not for everyone, especially on a console where the genre is extremely rare, but those who decide to take the plunge are bound to have a phenomenal experience.
Resident Evil 7 doesn’t have much in common with the rest of the franchise, but when the game is this good, it’s hard to complain. Definitely worthwhile for any survival horror fans.
With so many Dark Knight adventures in our movies, TV, comics, and video games, you have to do something special to stand out. In the first few episodes, it looked like Batman: The Telltale Series might actually bottle lightning and create something excellent. But as the finale rolls in, it series fails to separate itself from the many Batman outings we’ve already experienced elsewhere.
Tyranny is a good game, but not a great one. In a year that's been light on RPGs, it's a solid offering worth picking up, but don't expect it to be as good as Pillars of Eternity.