The fact remains, though, that 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is an absolute triumph for Vanillaware. Not many games have stories as ambitious as this. Even fewer manage to bring things together without resulting in disappointment. And while the real-time battles may be the weakest element, they’re still very much engaging, and offer a nice change of pace when required. 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim might just be remembered as one of the greatest games of all time, and so whether you’re into sci-fi or not, you should certainly add it to your collection.
If you have the time for another retro FPS in your life, Forgive Me Father will provide some solid entertainment. The fact that it’s fairly inexpensive and has Lovecraft-inspired enemies will be attractive to some, too. There are better examples available in the genre though. So, while it’s in no way a bad game, it’s hard to call it essential. It’s simply an enjoyable but unspectacular old-fashioned romp.
If you’re a huge baseball fan and you want the latest and greatest game that most accurately captures the spirit of the sport, buying MLB The Show 22 is perhaps a no-brainer. But if you’re a casual fan or money is tight, then last year’s MLB The Show 21 offers an experience that’s not all that dissimilar. This may be the best baseball game available right now, but when it’s only incrementally better than least year’s effort, you might not feel like it’s worth the cost.
It’s tough, but Kombinera impresses with its clever ball puzzles. Like most classic puzzle games, the concept is simple and easy to get your head around, but allows for some serious brainteasing as more elements are added. Some may quickly become frustrated with it, and it’s a shame there’s little in the way of help when you truly do become stuck, but that shouldn’t stop puzzle fans from lapping this up. It might just be one of the best puzzle games in years.
There’s a lot of fun to be had with Slipstream. It’s wonderfully presented, has a good amount of content, and the racing action is fun and intense for the most part. It’s just a shame that the efforts it makes to differentiate itself from Outrun gameplay-wise don’t really have the intended effect. But if you’re after an old-fashioned racing game inspired by the classics of the 80s and 90s, this is still very much worthy of a purchase.
Some will be disappointed that Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition is simply a remaster of one of the best JRPGs of all time rather than a remake, and it’s not the most exhaustive one at that. But still, there’s a great game here, and it’s never looked, sounded or played better. So, while the framerate issues may be irksome, and some aspects of the game aren’t so intuitive by today’s standards, anyone keen on playing – or replaying – a piece of JRPG history would be wise to check Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition out.
If you’re looking for a game that’s challenging yet relaxing, Lawn Mowing Simulator fits the bill. Starting up your own business, you need to choose your contracts carefully and mow lawns with care. And while it really does feel like work at times, there’s something seriously enjoyable about going back and forth in serene British parks and gardens, making them look prim and proper. Ultimately, Lawn Mowing Simulator is more addictive than it has any right to be.
There’s a good game in Tunche somewhere, just trying to get out. Some will find it if they dig deep, put in the hours and max out the skill trees so that the combat can shine. Most though, will probably give up early on into the journey. This is a wonderfully presented game with a lot to offer, but the roguelike elements suck the fun out of it, turning what could have been a brisk and enjoyable adventure into a drawn-out slog.
For those what want to immerse themselves in a strange, alternative take on the Wild West and unravel a mysterious story, Weird West should do the trick. This is an engaging action RPG that while narrative-driven, still gives players a large amount of choice. And though there are some issues, they’re worth bearing with to see each of the game’s protagonists journeys through to their end. As the first game from WolfEye Studios, this is a very commendable effort indeed.
With its old-fashioned visuals and scrappy gameplay, Nun Massacre won’t be for everyone. Horror fans going into it with an open mind, however, will soon find a place for it in their bleeding, haunted hearts. Being hunted down by the nun never fails to set your blood pumping, the screen distorting as she draws ever closer, leading to horrific screams as she charges at you. It’s truly scary – and that’s what horror is all about.
It’s not particularly big or complex but it offers pure, unadulterated, arcade fun. Sometimes that’s all you want. So, if you suddenly feel the urge to chase down a crime syndicate in a futuristic vehicle that transforms, keep Agent Intercept on your radar. You might beat its campaign in the blink of an eye, but you’ll stay for its score-chasing antics.
There’s a good game in Chocobo GP somewhere, hidden between the balancing problems and microtransactions. Hopefully one day it’ll be able to emerge, free of the troubles that are bringing it down. Until then though, it’s hard to recommend. If you don’t mind forking out for the game and then a Battle Pass or two down the road you might get some enjoyment out of it, but you’ll have to be committed to the grind, and fairly patient with the gameplay. Perhaps give it a try first – a free Lite version is available so you can at least get a taste of the action without spending any money.
If you like games that are fast-paced and that don’t bog you down with gameplay elements that can feel like busywork, Ghostwire: Tokyo may not be for you. If you don’t mind the slower pace, however, and are excited by the prospect of busting ghosts with magic thrown from your hands, chances are you’ll love it. It may feel like virtual tourism during a cataclysmic event at times, but that’s the charm of it. And there’s plenty of it to be done as you traipse back and forth across Tokyo trying to thwart a Hannya mask-wearing psycho.
If you’re a fan of kaiju or side-scrolling beat ’em ups, consider Dawn of the Monsters absolutely essential. You won’t find another game like it. Though even if you’re not typically a fan of those genres, you should still give it a go if you simply like to have fun; even more so the local co-op variety. Doing battle with giant beasts has never been as deep or enjoyable as this, especially with its DNA augment system that allows for a surprising amount of build variety. If this is the Dawn of the Monsters, we’re ready for the Day of the Monsters.
If you’re a snowboarding fan, there’s a good chance you’ll get some hours of quality entertainment out of Shredders, especially if you manage to master its trick system. That’s a pretty big if though, as there’s some frustration involved. Still, available at a budget price, and included in Game Pass, it’s a decent new addition to a genre that’s pretty underrepresented these days, and with a low barrier to entry. It’s just a shame it isn’t a little more polished, and welcoming.
Take its unfortunate performance issues in your stride – which will hopefully be ironed out by Team Ninja post-launch – and you’ll have a hell of a lot of fun with Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin. Its story may be ridiculous and not particularly easy to follow, but you’ll enjoy trying. And besides, the real draw here is the combat, which is not only highly entertaining but so, so deep thanks to the brilliant job system. This is a new type of Final Fantasy game, one that puts action at the front and centre, and it’s a blast from beginning to end.
It’s a shame that Phantom Breaker: Omnia doesn’t have rollback netcode, because that’s where most hardcore fighting game fans will perhaps be getting their fun out of it. There is still some joy to be had though, and for those who simply like to play against the CPU or another human via local versus, there’s very little to complain about. It may not be a property you’re familiar with, but if you’re a fighting game fan you’d be wise to check Phantom Breaker: Omnia out.
If you’re a supercross fan, it’s very easy to recommend Monster Energy Supercross 5. As ever, if you own one of its recent predecessors, it doesn’t really offer much that’s genuinely new. But improvements across the board, from handling to career features, make this the pinnacle of the series; it’s a must-have for ardent fans of the sport, and great for those looking for a way-in.
Free of any combat, and largely of any challenge whatsoever, Submerged: Hidden Depths is the perfect game to relax with. Its colourful visuals and contemplative soundtrack will immerse you in a world that feels sombre yet hopeful, as you explore every nook and cranny on your modest ship. Though for some the action may prove to be too basic. Still, if you’re after a game that you can chill out with while unravelling the fate of a caring sister and her brother, this is well worth checking out.
For the devout Assassin’s Creed Valhalla fan, there’s about 20 hours or so of solid gameplay to be gleamed out of Dawn of Ragnarok. A bit more if you want to see and do everything. But chances are it won’t particularly impress. It’s simply more of the same for the most part, with a story that fails to truly engage. It’s perhaps the fact that you’re not given free reign of your new abilities that that’s the biggest disappointment – you’re supposed to be a god, so why not let us feel like one? And so, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Dawn of Ragnarok is an inessential expansion. One that feels like a missed opportunity.