All in all, these are solid additions to what was already an impressive overhaul of these 8-bit and 16-bit classics, and help solidify the ideal that the Pixel Remasters could now be considered the definitive versions of classic Final Fantasy.
Overall, I've really enjoyed my time with Pinball FX and can definitely see myself continuing to play down the road. I'm excited to see what tables are coming next, and as a casual pinball player I'd say the physics here feel pretty great on current-gen consoles.
It's hard not to expect a little hyperbole when people start throwing around comparisons to beloved hits, but boy does Chained Echoes really deliver. Having played through the game on Switch over the course of the holiday season, I was amazed at how well it plays, and while it certainly wears its inspirations on its sleeve, it also does a fantastic job of carving out its own unique mix of mechanics to make for a pretty memorable experience.
I find the PS5 and Xbox versions of Monster Hunter Rise to definitely be the better version of the game, at least as far as consoles are concerned, and would wholeheartedly recommend you check out either version if you have yet to play the game.
I've really enjoyed my time with Shovel Knight Dig, and it's a fantastic follow-up to the first Shovel Knight adventure. Everything comes together so well here, and it feels so great to play, that you'll have a tough time putting this one down.
I’ve really been impressed with Sea of Stars overall. I think it delivers the total package when it comes to retro-infused RPG’s, and it feels pretty unique in a field that’s full of like-minded games.
Cocoon might be one of the most inventive puzzle games I’ve ever played. The concept of diving into worlds, solving various puzzles, and then diving into and out of other worlds is one of those things that’s kind of hard to explain, but absolutely fantastic to see and try out for yourself. It’s not a game that is easily comparable to any other, and it’s hands down one of the best experiences I’ve had all year.
I absolutely loved Spider-Man 2, and I’m happy to see that Insomniac continues to knock it out of the park with this series.
If you’ve ever been curious about rogue-lite style games, or Rogue Legacy in general, I see no reason to not give Rogue Legacy 2 a try.
it's not necessarily the best entry point in the series for new players, but it's a satisfying conclusion to that arc for fans, and it's a darn good RPG altogether.
Depending on how hardcore your love is for '90s arcade action games you may want to hold off for a sale down the road, but if you have any affection for Strider or games of its ilk, then Cannon Dancer – Osman will likely be right up your alley.
While Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed isn't a full priced, AAA style release, it's still a solid ghostbusting experience overall.
While not as shocking of a change as 2018?s God of War reinvention, God of War Ragnarök has proven itself a fantastic follow-up over the 40+ hours I?ve spent playing it. Ragnarök, like a good, traditional sequel should, expands upon ideas and mechanics from God of War in ways that feel like a natural evolution of the 2018 game. Kratos and Atreus’ journey across the Nine Realms is fully realized here, making for a fantastic visual and gameplay feast that is sure to please the many fans that God of War: Ragnarök's predecessor gained.
I really found myself engrossed with Metal: Hellsinger, and the solid FPS gunplay paired with a challenging rhythm mechanic keeps you pretty engaged throughout. It's a neat concept that certainly hasn't worn out its welcome so far, and I'd certainly like to see it expanded upon in the future, so hopefully a sequel or DLC won't be out of the question. Definitely check it out Metal: Hellsinger if any of this sounds intriguing, you won't be disappointed.
I really, really dug my time spent with Arcade Paradise, and thought the sheer variety of arcade games was pretty impressive, as was the actual amount of upgrades and story content available.
Starfield is, overall, a very good RPG from a studio known for making very good RPGs. Not the most surprising news I’m sure, but it’s nice to see that they’re able to break away from the Elder Scrolls and Fallout settings successfully, and I do feel like their take on space exploration is a breath of fresh air for this type of RPG experience. It’s a huge game overall, so if you’re the person that believes time played = value, you’ll be pretty happy with this one for sure, but at the same time if you’re worried about overall quality, I think you’ll still enjoy your time with Starfield.
The story is weird and interesting enough to also keep you entertained, which certainly helps make Gunbrella feel fresh despite there being a number of retro-themed action-platformers on the market today. I’d highly recommend checking out Gunbrella when you get a chance, you won’t be disappointed.
As someone who is a fan of Forza Horizon and didn’t care a great deal for The Crew 2, this latest entry in The Crew certainly works for me. I’ve had a lot of fun driving around the island of Oahu, and the Hawaii setting is a great backdrop for all the racing this game contains. While maybe not the most original racer on the market, this approach for The Crew Motorfest makes for a better experience overall, and helps fill the void for AAA arcade racers this year.
I found myself fairly engrossed with Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes, and would argue it's the best of the Omega Force/Nintendo collaborations so far. It runs really well in both handheld and TV mode (certainly far better than Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity) and the combat is propelled to another, more interesting level when you start utilizing the ability to command your various units as objectives appear. So even if you've not played through a single musou game before, I think Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes would make a pretty great impression for brand new players, while also breathing some fresh air into the formula for returning fans.
if you're willing to look over some of the rough patches or have any love for checking out older classics, then you'll likely find Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection is right up your alley