NBA 2K16 is another solid entry in a series that is really starting to establish itself as one of the best in sports. It might have its drawbacks and fall short of certain expectations, but the core of NBA 2K continues to be strong.
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.
Devil May Cry 5 is an action title worth playing, filled with bombastic action, over-the-top character moments, and fun mechanics. It's a game that forgoes any sense of nuance and relies on simply overloading your senses, and often succeeds at doing just that.
Super Time Force relies heavily on the chaos of its time-and-death mechanic to keep the players moving. The game doesn't always strike the sweet spot and stand out, but it did always leave me smiling as I would watch the replay of a level and all my characters swarming through, firing waves of bullets. For those who love are looking for an action-arcade shooter with a neat hook, Super Time Force offers a fair share of fun.
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.
The Hong Kong Massacre is obsessed with fist-pumping, high-octane action and is a great offering for action fans that enjoy the likes of Hotline Miami. The first two hours are largely spent finding the game's wavelength, but the pulsing energy of the design helps propel you along. Before long, you'll be swan diving through windows and lighting up rooms with gunfire in pure action bliss.
MLB The Show 20 works for new players and veterans alike because it opts to offer a bit of everything. With so many different modes to play and such a strong foundation to work from, it continues to be a reliably great simulation of the sport. Weep not, baseball fans, the digital game is still alive and well.
I don't know if I enjoyed Final Fantasy VII Remake as much as I was fascinated by it. The game is bound to divide fans and newcomers, but it's the kind of experience that's going to be dissected for decades to come - much like the original.
Super Mega Baseball 3 is the perfect game if you're finding yourself burning out on more traditional sports sims. Its focus on gameplay and a fun suite of customization tools gives the experience a decidedly different flavor than most others in the genre.
There may be a lot of games you want to try on the new PS5 console, but if you're looking for a palate cleanser between the bigger, flashier games, Bugsnax is the perfect aperitif to your next-gen feast.
With the new trilogy coming to an end and Agent 47 yielding to 007, the developers have finally stuck the landing thanks to a few smart tweaks to design, mechanics, and tone. It's a shame it took until the final chapter to deliver on the potential.
Helldivers can be quite fun, and the experience is so fine-tuned that the issues it does have - like matchmaking and the occasional frame rate issues - stand out like sore thumbs.
Rise of the Tomb Raider is a competent sequel. There are some nice additions to the design, and the familiar mechanics from the previous game are the strongest aspects of the experience. But Lara's new adventure isn't interesting, and the serious tone doesn't do it any favors.
Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire is a fine game that makes it easy to get swept away in the pirate life and the thrills of ship combat. It's a solid evolution on the first outing, though the technical flaws are significant and ultimately detract from the overall impression.
Suzerain is a fascinating game told through incredibly dense and detailed writing with effective pacing and smart world-building. Its unique mix of player choices against a strategy backdrop make for a compelling adventure, even if presentation aspects are lacking. A game that is designed to challenge whatever political ideology you hold.
Persona 5 Strikers is a fun window back to the friendships and stylish aesthetic that made Persona 5 a hit. However, for better or worse this is its own game. Strikers proves that you can go back home, but it'll never quite be the same.
Dead Rising 3 is an uneven title, one that has too many bugs to ignore. The core of the gameplay is strong, for fans of the combo making series or even fans of zombies, there is plenty to enjoy. If you don't fall into the aforementioned categories, you might want to look elsewhere.
The core of the Elder Scrolls experience lives on in The Elder Scrolls Online, and fans of series will love discovering never before seen corners of Tamriel, or revisiting favorite locales in a new way. However these experiences are muddled by balance issues, unclear design choices, and technical blips. This MMO is not for everyone, but those who are ready for a deep, consuming experience may find it here if they choose to look past the flaws.
Gears of War 4 is a game made for the fans, by a similarly passionate development team. The campaign and multiplayer offer new elements that will please most players, but hopefully the next effort from The Coalition will see the core gameplay get a similar revamp.
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.