If you can groove on a game that takes its time with cutscenes and characters, ignore some subpar visuals in some spots, and have a love for gangland crime thrillers mixed with high-octane martial arts madness, this is the game for you.
Whenever it's fully embracing its detective murder mystery identity, Judgment is a fantastic gritty action experience that takes Ryu Ga Gotoku Studios' formula into a refreshing new direction. The characters are likeable, the central mystery is intriguing, and even when it leans back on its own established formula, the gameplay remains satisfying and fun.
Catherine: Full Body is yet another respectable remastered title from the guys at Atlus. Everything that made the original great is still here and there are honest attempts to address or fix story or character issues with the addition of new scenes and scenarios. If you enjoyed the original, there is just enough to have you come back, and if you missed out on this underrated gem before, now's the best time to jump in.
While the overarching plot isn't exactly high drama and the gameplay can feel limited by artificial busywork, Starlink: Battle For Atlas is the kind of game I've been craving for a while.
While the main story can get too melodramatic for its own good and Majima's side story doesn't amount to much, I can recommend Yakuza Kiwami 2 on its level of presentation alone. The twists and turns of the plot kept me wanting to see what would happen next, the gorgeous production provided by the Dragon Engine left me wandering the streets just taking in the sites, and the combat is as satisfying as hitting someone you don't like with a bicycle. While I can't say that Yakuza 2 still holds up under a modern lens, I can say that this remake kept my attention to the end. And in that regard, the developers should give themselves a round of applause.
Man of Medan is a solid horror experience that relies on the strengths of the developers' past success. It's admittedly trashier than its campy predecessor, but the prospect of playing through it with friends feels like the ultimate evening of entertainment. A great mix of creepiness, suspense, and just the right amount of genre silliness.
Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2 is a great follow-up to the retro throwback that was its predecessor. Simply put, there is more to play and more to enjoy.
Raji: An Ancient Epic manages to bring a distinctly Indian perspective to a conventional action-adventure spectacle.
Maid of Sker is an adaptation of influential Welsh folklore and brings its own voice to the survival horror genre. That is once it gets over stage fright.
A few balance issues and questionable combat encounters do not mar an otherwise solid and memorable cyberpunk action-RPG experience.
A striking visual style and stylish presentation helps make Trek To Yomi a memorable journey through hell, even when the story and gameplay remain familiar and predictable.
Solid card trick gameplay and some great quasi-historical presentation helps alleviate Card Shark's occasionally obtuse level design.
Outriders Worldslayer brings more fun gun battles, new loot and perks, as well as the same minor annoyances.
While it is a walking simulator at its core, South of the Circle contains great performances, beautiful visuals, and strong themes and commentary. It is worth experiencing at least once
A short run time and a few obtuse puzzles do not damper Shadows Over Loathing's irreverent energy and rewarding RPG gameplay.
While short and inconsistent in challenge, Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is a fun throwback to late 90s Japanese cyberpunk spectacle.
Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores has a strong character story at its center, but not much when it comes to new content.
Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden is underwhelming as an action RPG, but is a must-play thanks to solid character drama and challenging moral decisions.
Call of Cthulhu is a case of the whole being better than the sum of its parts.
When it wants to imitate the 1987 movie, Predator: Hunting Grounds is a lot of fun, but doesn't really have anything past that