Asteroid Base's Lovers In a Dangerous Spacetime turned out to be worth the wait, perfectly blending elements from space shooters with a bit of strategy and throwing in some entertaining co-op as well. There are times it can be overwhelming – especially if you're going at it single player – but it's still an adventure you can't help but fall in love with.
After what seemed like an eternal wait for the game, 17-Bit Studios' Galak-Z: The Dimensional delivered on every front for me. While it may seem challenging for some, it doesn't disappoint with its space action and strategy, and the presentation is right on the money when it comes to emulating your favorite anime. This is one space adventure that's worth gearing up for.
It's great to see developers continue to pour their best effort into twin-stick shooters, even if the concept seems dated compared to other genres. Android Assault Cactus is a quality entry in the genre, filled with personality, excitement and creativity. The amount of characters available is impressive; the co-op factor is insane but fun; and the gameplay doesn't stop when it comes to challenging your high-scoring skills. This is one Cactus that certainly won't sting once you grab hold.
It's nice to see that Harmonix can still keep the beat going, even after the commercial success of Rock Band 4. Amplitude may not be as big a game as that is, but it's still a terrific experience, whether you go it alone or bring some friends into the fray. The soundtrack, while more "indie"-based, is a blast, and the gameplay delivers all the goodness we've come to expect from the brand. Now then, how's that HD port of Frequency coming along…?
Codemasters has made some tough games in the past that make it difficult for newcomers to get in, and Dirt Rally is along the same lines – well, in a way. The game does require you to work to earn your keep and master your racing skills, but it does so with fluid controls and an outstanding presentation that keeps you on your toes at every turn. Eventually, it does offer an enriched experience that surpasses most of its other racers – including the classic Dirt games we love so much. This series has truly grown up, but in a very good way.
Some people complain that the last thing we need these days are HD ports of "games gone by," as it were. However, Gravity Rush Remastered provides a hell of an argument that they're still worthwhile, especially if they're done the right way. This is an ideal way to become introduced in the series, and it'll get you excited for the sequel to come. No need to, ahem, flip out.
If you're a fan of Mario-oriented sports games – or just want something breezy and fun to play this summer season – pack up your golf bag and report for the World Tour. You won't be sorry.
There are performance issues that come into question, and certain parts of the game that will no doubt be hazardous, especially when it comes to newbies. But Fallout 4 is still a game that shouldn't be ignored, just because it's so damn big and explorable.
It's been five years since we've had an effective Guitar Hero release to tell us that the series is relevant again – especially one that doesn't have Gene Simmons delivering a hammy performance on why we should care about rock gods.
Battleborn does have its hiccups with required online connectivity, dialogue and some odd character choices. But the positive far outweighs the negative, with exciting gameplay, fun multiplayer components for both local and online play, and fantastic level design.
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided is solid proof of what can be done with a franchise if you take the ideas that worked so well with its return in Human Revolution, and build upon them with great care. There are times the missions can run a little tiring (particularly with certain boss fights), as well as wishing the voice acting was better. Still, it tells one hell of a story, and watching it play out with so many possibilities is a great part of the fun. This is one world you won't get enough of – even if you're tired of issues in the current one.
Hey, sometimes you need to take it back to the old-school and remember what survival is all about – and that's just what Primal does.
Between the puzzles that need to be solved throughout this world (enough to fill up a few hours’ worth of gameplay), enthralling battles and a superb presentation, Severed gives you another good reason to cherish your Vita.
BoxBoxBoy has a level of charm that’s sure to infatuate veterans of the genre and young players alike. It certainly stacks up to a good time to us.
In short, Worms W.M.D. is probably the best that the series has been in years. While it doesn’t necessarily reinvent the wheel in terms of how the game is played, it adds an awesome amount of components, costumes and weapons to make it feel right at home.
Like Madden before it, EA’s hockey team has done a great job with NHL 17. It doesn’t quite have all the innovative features that the football game does, but it has more than enough to recommend to hockey fans.
It's about time someone came forth with a good "shmup" for this generation of consoles. Final Form Games takes everything good from the original Jamestown and ups the ante with more content and modes, including co-op support that's way more fun than it has every right being. If you're up for a challenge, or just want something different out of your shooters, make your residence in Jamestown.
Sure, Mega Man Legacy Collection could've added more games, or had an option to expand the screen to full size (and what's with the full price tag?). That said, it's still a rich package filled with gaming history, between the six original games, the museum, the music player and the NES Remix mode. If you're even slightly devoted to the Blue Bomber, you owe it to yourself to pick this up. [OpenCritic note: Robert Workman separately reviewed the XB1 (8.5) and 3DS (8.25) versions. Their scores have been averaged.]
We’ll see how Nightdive’s seemingly upward trend continues as they start bringing other Acclaim classics to the system but for now, we’re perfectly content with enjoying what Turok has to offer.
Bloodborne is going to be a hard game for some players to accept, due to its diabolical difficulty settings and small hitches with presentation and multiplayer. If you can get past these, however, you'll find a welcome challenge courtesy of From Software's team, one with vivid visuals, exciting gameplay, and plenty of additions that make it well worth hacking away with. Action games have hardly felt this diabolical – but with this developer at the helm, that's a good thing.