Jump Force was a game I was really looking forward to playing this year. Being a huge fan of the Xenoverse games like you may have guessed already judging by the number of times I mentioned them, Jump Force takes that formula and tries to fit the square peg in a round hole.
While offering nothing refreshing to the series, this is a solid remake that brings back the original Senran Kagura with all the bells and whistles to the current generation. There is a good amount of content available for fans but beneath it, the gameplay can get repetitive and the story suffers from an awkward pace.
Tales of Vesperia is often hailed as one of the best entries in the series, and rightfully so. The new content of definitive edition gives it a fresh coat of paint, which is already a great action JRPG. What is slightly disappointing is the lack of proper visual upgrade, but the improved resolution and frame rate does make a big difference.
A collection well suited for the classic Atelier fans. What makes it exciting is how these games still hold up fine even today, and if you haven't managed to play them, or started with the series, this is a good stepping stone for the franchise.
The Last Remnant Remastered is certainly an improvement over the original release and should be enjoyable if you're looking for a tough JRPG, however, the story and accompanying game system may leave you disappointed.
Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee is the perfect nostalgia fix for the veteran Pokemon fan and an excellent gateway for players wanting to get into the series.
Battlefield V is a solid entry in the series and has the potential to become even better down the line with the ton of additional content planned down the line, especially the Battle Royale mode slated for next year. With DICE's plans for their Tides of War service, Battlefield V will constantly evolve and we can't wait for more.
Any improvements or additions to World of Final Fantasy feel rather minor with this Maxima expansion. It does carry a modest price tag if you want to return to this world again. Aside from that, Nintendo Switch owners can experience this enjoyable Final Fantasy spin-off for the first time.
Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum 'n' Fun is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable rhythm games available on the Nintendo Switch. It additionally presents a unique multiplayer mixed in with all the exciting rhythmic action offering a substantial amount of replay value. The lack of gameplay modes is a fundamental flaw that hurts its lasting appeal.
It is clear this is not a game for everyone, but it does have a charm for those who are looking for a hardcore retro platformer with some solid gameplay. The flaws don't really hold back from letting you enjoy a decent experience with some nice old schools visuals to go with it.
Starlink: Battle For Atlas is a worthy contender of surprise game of the year and in a good way. It offers gorgeous visuals, high-quality cutscenes for the story, and it is easily the best Star Fox game in a long time.
NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 brings back the arcade experience in its sequel with some subtle but welcome improvements to gameplay and features more content. It suffers from a terrible player unlock system fueled by microtransactions, which is thankfully still optional and not a necessity to enjoy the game.
Black Ops 4 has managed to not only prove itself but on top set a new benchmark in quality for the Call of Duty series. It is one of the most enjoyable multiplayer games present on consoles. The lack of a traditional single-player campaign doesn't manage to distract away from the polished gameplay of the Blackout mode.
This is not just a contender for game of the year, but also easily one of the best Metroidvania games that I have ever played. The Voidheart Edition packs all content at release thus making it the best way to experience Hollow Knight.
Mega Man delivers his triumphant return with this recent entry providing the perfect blend of difficulty with its tightly designed levels and uniquely crafted powers. It is a Mega Man game for everyone with a multitude of difficulty options.
Broken Sword 5 features a story that slowly uncovers but leaves you hanging for more and a plot that is grand but equally simple enough to grasp. The puzzles are once more the highlight here, but the controls will take some time to get used to, and even then, they are not that extraordinary.
I have consistently advocated good character development and a likable cast and this is all present in Valkyria Chronicles 4. The strategic combat is more of the same but the new cast offers a refreshing change of pace that can overcome the lack of innovation in the gameplay department.
Planet Alpha tickles our imagination with its tremendous beautiful visuals but fails to meet the same quality for its gameplay. It is a trippy otherworldly experience with some faults that prevent it from standing next to the other industry greats like INSIDE and Limbo.
Fans of the anime might enjoy some of the more outrageous story moments in Punch Line, but for those looking for an interesting visual novel in the same vein as Zero Escape, this one, unfortunately, fails to hit the mark.
This is an indie game that understands well how to properly take inspiration from the classic Sonic games, and as a result, it manages to stand out among the many clones. The impact of Freedom Planet is far less now, but it has the potential to carve out its own identity in the future.