Mario & Luigi: Brothership falls into that odd zone of being fine but not exceptional. I think it's comfortably the third best Mario & Luigi game, but it's a distant third and a far cry from the franchise's heights. I had a lot of fun, and I don't regret playing it, but it lacks that certain special something that made the first and third games in the franchise really shine. It's still a fun RPG adventure with some fantastic combat, but it's the weakest of all the Mario RPGs released this year.
Dragon Quest III: HD-2D Remake is a charming and well-made update of one of the most classic RPGs of all time. It doesn't reinvent the mold and is too safe for its own measure, but at the same time, it's easily the most accessible and fun version of the game to date. You'll need to have some tolerance for dated design choices, but if you've ever wondered why people love the classic Dragon Quest so much, this is the game to play.
Metal Slug Tactics is an excellent adaptation of the franchise to an entirely new genre. It doesn't play anything like the older Metal Slug games, but in some ways, it still does. It's fast paced, engaging, and frequently funny and clever. The core mechanics are instantly engaging and a genuine delight to experience. Perhaps the only real complaint I can think of is that the roguelike style might not be for everyone, but even that is true to the style of the original arcade games. Both fans of the franchise and those who can't tell a Metal Slug from a Metal Gear will find a lot to like in Tactics.
If you can get past the jankiness, Slitterhead has a certain quality that makes it oddly compelling. Everything from the plot to the gameplay and the graphics is a strange combination of insanely dated and bizarrely structured. It's a bizarre, shambling mess of a game that has a flavor all its own, but it never quite manages to come together into something cohesive.
Life is Strange: Double Exposure feels like the definition of an unnecessary sequel. It doesn't feel like a natural continuation of Life is Strange, and in many ways, it is kind of a step backward for the characters. At the same time, it doesn't have enough of its own voice and ends up feeling weaker than True Colors or Life is Strange 2. It's nice to see Max again, but fans would've been happier if she hadn't shown up again. Taken entirely on its own merits, Double Exposure is a relatively fun little mystery, but it's too bogged down for its own good.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard is and isn't the game I wanted it to be. It's a rollicking fun story where you fight monsters, save lives, and lead your plucky team of adventurers against impossible odds. At the same time, it feels more like Mass Effect than Dragon Age, and since The Veilguard is the climax of a story, it might be difficult for newcomers to hop into. If I set aside my expectations, it's a pretty darn fun action-RPG that stands well on its own.
Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven is everything a remake should be. It polishes and shines the strongest elements of the original game while adding just enough modernization and new features to make it feel accessible to a newer audience. Everything from the gameplay to the graphics absolutely sparkles, and it is easy to understand why Romancing SaGa 2 was a cult classic. Only a somewhat thin SNES-style story holds backthe game slightly, and even that is a minor complaint. In a year filled with incredibly strong RPGs, Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven might still be one of the best.
Sonic X Shadow Generations is a delightful experience for any Sonic fan. Not only has the original Generations aged surprisingly well, but the new Shadow segment of the story contains just as much love for the parts of the franchise that came after the original release. The gameplay is quick, fun and accessible, and there's so much love for Sega's mascot and his dark counterpart that it's immensely enjoyable, no matter how many times it reminds me of Sonic 2006. It does the one thing I never imagined could happen: It really makes me want a new Shadow the Hedgehog game.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is a wonderful first (no, CD-i doesn't count) outing for the titular princess. It's at once nostalgic and brand new, combining classic Zelda gameplay with the flexibility and freedom of the modern styles. It's a genuine delight from start to finish, with the only real complaints revolving around the fact that the performance hasn't improved from the last game that was developed on the same game engine. If you're a fan of Zelda, Echoes of Wisdom is a must-play.
Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero is in an easy running for the best Dragon Ball game ever made. The surprisingly in-depth gameplay is combined with a love for the franchise that seems to radiate from every aspect of the game. The combat might end up being a little frustrating for someone who just wants to bash together their favorite characters, but once you've learned how to play, it feels absolutely fantastic, and it's a genuine labor of love that fans will adore.
Metaphor: ReFantazio is fantasy Persona. Familiar mechanics, familiar concepts and familiar design all come together to make something that doesn't escape from the shadow of its predecessor. Almost all of those things are executed extremely well and add creative twists and new ideas to the formula. Even the simple setting change does a lot to keep it feeling fresher. It's a genuinely fun experience, even if it isn't the most distinct one. It isn't Persona 6, but it's a darn good replacement. Every RPG fan should play Metaphor: ReFantazio.
Overall, I think Silent Hill 2 feels more like a side-upgrade than a full upgrade to the original. It's incredibly faithful and respectful while it modernizes large chunks of the game, but some of those modernizations go a tad too far for my taste. Silent Hill 2 is largely successful at what it is trying to do, which is to present a version of the game that is more polished and modern. It doesn't eclipse the original version, but for anyone who didn't grow up playing PS2 games, this is the easiest version of the game to play.
Reynatis breaks the cardinal rule of not reminding players about better games. Everything from the concept to the gameplay feels like a less engaging version of The World Ends with You, and the fact there's an in-game crossover between the two makes it not feel like a coincidence. There's very little that makes Reynatis stand out, and there are quite a few baffling game design choices. I can see players gleaning some fun from it, but only if they've already experienced its better inspirations.
With its aesthetics, tone, and gameplay, The Plucky Squire is a near-perfect game for younger kids, and I'd recommend it without hesitation. Add to that the boatload of charm, and it's very much a title that a parent can enjoy as much as their child does. It lacks the bite of a Zelda game, so if you need your games to be difficult, then this likely isn't for you. However, if you're just looking for the video game version of reading a charming storybook, then The Plucky Squire knocks it out of the park.
Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster is easily the most accessible and enjoyable version of the game to date. It retains the same basic feel but adds an extra layer of polish to everything. The game's still as wacky and enjoyable as it ever was, but with less frustration and annoyance. There are a couple of areas that perhaps went a bit too far, but by and large, the development team has just created a more fun version of the original. If you're a fan of Dead Rising or want to smash some zombies, Capcom's other zombie franchise has you covered.
Overall, Castlevania Dominus Collection is a fantastic collection of Castlevania games. The three DS titles alone are some of the best Metroidvania action to ever exist, and having them all in one convenient package is worth it. Some minor complaints aside, they are perfectly good ports of all three games. The arcade titles are less of a draw but a nice bonus. If you're a fan of Metroidvania titles, Castlevania, or blowing up vampires with cool powers, Castlevania Dominus Collection is one of the best purchases you can make.
The highest praise I can give Astro Bot is that it genuinely feels like PlayStation has its own Mario now. The gameplay, creativity and charm are competing with Nintendo's powerhouse with wonderful level design and engaging gameplay from start to finish. Only the relatively short runtime is a potential negative, and even that feels like a minor complaint. If you're a longtime PlayStation fan looking for a rush of nostalgia, a parent looking for a good game for their kids, or you just want a darn fun platformer, Astro Bot is a must-play.
Gundam Breaker 4 is a game for fans of the franchise, and it's a darn good one. It even eclipses Gundam Breaker 3 in terms of customization options and the sheer fun that it offers. It's definitely a huge step up from New Gundam Breaker. It's a "create your own digital Gunpla" game first and a beat-'em-up second, but it's difficult to deny the fun of creating the most absurd mech you can and then using it to beat the living crud out of swarms of bad guys. If you like Gundam, Gundam Breaker 4 is probably the best available title for English-speaking audiences.
Visions of Mana is extremely close to greatness. The core combat system is a lot of fun, and I'd adore seeing it come back in a more polished form in a future game. The graphics tend to look amazing, and it captures the tone and feel of a Mana title well. A lackluster main plot and a seriously rushed second half tend to drag down the experience, and some of the technical hitches are disruptive. Despite this, I'd argue that Visions of Mana is probably one of the best titles in the franchise and should be a fun time for Mana fans.
Overall, Star Wars: Outlaws delivers pretty much exactly what it promised. Players have the chance to take on the role of a smuggler to blast, sneak and fast-talk their way through the Star Wars universe. It does an excellent job of capturing the tone and feel of the franchise, and it feels like a Star Wars game should. It has its flaws and imperfections, but if you're looking for the chance to zoom around blasting TIE Fighters and outwitting the Hutts, it's exactly what you'd want.