Football Manager 2021 has done something that great managers do: it has acknowledged its weaknesses and improved upon them without completely rocking the boat. It still feels truly familiar as a Football Manager game, but the overhaul to expectations and communication makes for a more coherent and impactful experience. There’s more of a focus on what you say and do in your role as a manager and, over seasons, your performance is better judged. It makes a real difference to how the game can play out. The matchday experience may not be massively improved, but the improved focus elsewhere makes a real difference. For anyone who truly likes to get into the role of manager, Football Manager 2021 is a must.
It comes down to the fact that Age of Empires III has never been the best at fundamental RTS gameplay. The Definitive Edition has done a great job of bringing the title into the modern age with beautiful visuals and a new UI – but that core gameplay remains, and it falls flat especially compared to the standard set by last year’s Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition. Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition‘s intriguing campaigns are worth a look, but if you value adaptive and fluid multiplayer gameplay, stick with Age of Empires II.
Iron Harvest isn’t perfect, but it is an engaging journey into a new world that’s fun to explore.
Every detail of Crusader Kings III feels like the perfect evolution of the series.
Adding to the mix the Emperor DLC and the extra decisions, missions and incidents it imposes onto Europe, and you’ve got a wholly upgraded experience. The wrestling matches for power and influence become that much more apparent, that much more important and actually – very unlike Europa Universalis IV of the past – much more clear.
Despite its issues though, Command & Conquer Remastered Collection provides an excellent trip down memory lane – even if it is one that reminds us of how far videogames have come in the last 25 years. The real-time strategy might have moved on, but the Command & Conquer games still have a unique charm all of their own. Command & Conquer Remastered Collection certainly won’t win over any newcomers, but it makes for a commendable slice of nostalgia for those of us who grew up playing the games.
There’s no reason to go back to the original now, and its generously low price (£15/$20) makes Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition an easy must-buy.
Imperator: Rome truly has the depth and versatility to become one of Paradox’s finest.
Attack of the Earthlings has the ingredients to be a unique entry in the turn-based strategy genre – but it’s missing vital elements that would’ve made the gameplay tolerable.
The reason you should get the new Dharma expansion is not because of these policies or the minor tweaks it introduces to Europa Universalis IV. Rather, because it transforms the subcontinent of India into a much more interesting region. With the specific caste systems and the trading overhaul, the area is much more alive for those who play as natives or those who play as foreign trade empires.