LJ Lowery's Reviews
Insurgency: Sandstorm is one of the most immersive shooters on the market, and perfect for anyone that comes to the genre looking for grounded tactical combat. Variety can be lacking in some areas, but every round spent in-game is a standout experience.
Underworld: Ascendant is a very ambitious RPG from a well-seasoned staff that knows the genre. Unfortunately, there is so much that gets in the way of having a great time; a wasted potential from some talented individuals.
Hitman 2 is a solid follow up to the 2016 reboot, but there wasn't much that stood out from its predecessor. If more Hitman is what you want, that is exactly what you'll get. There are some slight improvements, but anyone looking for new and drastic changes will not find them here.
CHUCHEL easily goes down as one of the weirdest games you will ever play. It has such a unique art style and wholesome humor that anyone can enjoy. You'll find a few hours of a good time with this game, but nothing groundbreaking that shakes the gaming industry.
On the surface, Prodigy Tactics boasts a high quality presentation and entertaining gameplay. Unfortunately, it suffers from technical issues and doesn't offer very much for players to do. Having just been brought out of Early Access, it should have stayed a little longer.
NASCAR Heat is a game for the diehard fans of the sport. Your favorite series and drivers are all here for you to get behind the wheel with.
Nicalis kicks off its original game universe with Blade Strangers. A 2D fighting game with great animation and a solid fighting game that can knuckle up with the greats of the genre. With characters from their own franchises and some indie darlings we love, there's a fighter for everyone here.
Dead Cells sits in a genre that many strive to find success in. It succeeds where others fail due to a providing a memorable experience. Its rogue nature creates such a variety in gameplay that no two players can tell the same story. The Gothic, medieval setting and mysterious lore make every step taken worth it, as does all the sweet weapons and upgrades.
Code of Princess EX is a beat 'em up of a different breed. More bite sized stages and scenarios mean that the action ends right when it ramps up, but the characters and story are what will likely entice players to keep going. This one is more for anime fans than the average gamer.
Pool Panic is easily one of the the weirdest games I've played in recent memory. It may have that weird Adult Swim art style, but the humor is clean. There is hours of fun to be had for all ages whether you're shooting solo or playing with others in the multiplayer mode.
Way of the Passive Fist is unique among the rest of the brawlers in the genre. Though the experience is mostly entertaining, the rhythmic gameplay can sometimes feel like a chore. Ultimately, the experience will have you reminiscing about the days of action-packed Saturday morning cartoons.
Celeste is the complete package with well crafted gameplay, a unique presentation, and a touching story—one of the best games of 2018
Milanoir has the potential to be a grat game on the Nintendo Switch, but the aiming mechanics aren't fit for the system, and consistently get in the way. Its revenge plot is also just way to dark and without any redemptive qualities.
Conan Exiles is one of the more polished survival games out there. The exploration and flow of combat is some of the best in the genre too. I just wish I had more personality to make it stand out from the rest.
God of War has one of the greatest stories ever told in a video game, filled with moments that will never be forgotten. This is a "mic drop" that creates a high standard for future releases.
Deployment is unique in that it blends arcade style shooters with competitive elements. Procedurally generated levels and power ups are a fun addition to the action as well. Unfortunately, there was no online community to be found when this game was deployed onto Steam.
Alteric feels like a billion other indie games out there, and wants to punish players more than challenge them. Luckily, the physics do make the platforming feel satisfying, and thee gam can be completed in a couple hours. Still, there are many other video games that deserve your time.
Wartile is a unique concept that doesn't get tackled very often. The tabletop set pieces are a treat to look at while the character figures could use some extra polish. Variety also seems to be lacking, but gameplay is simple and engaging. Wartile is a concept that begs to be expanded into other genres beyond Norse Mythology.
Dragon Ball FighterZ is not only for the fans, but also for enthusiasts of the fighting genre. It stays true to the source material down to the smallest of details, while offering an experience for both casual and experienced players. One of the best in this recent renaissance of the fighting genre as other long-running series seem to be falling short.
Though its been a few years since Hammerwatch was released on PC, it is a welcome addition to the console platforms. It will take you back to the days of the original Gauntlet games, but feels lonely when playing solo. The maximum amount of fun lies within the multiplayer.