All in all, Monster Truck Championship for the PS5 is pretty much the PS4 version with some slight visual upgrades. It's a unique title in a world of traditional racers, but has some serious progression and variety shortcomings that reduce its replayability. It does, however, play pretty well albeit unforgivingly, with a solid if not pretty physics engine.
Like the PS4 version, Crash Bandicoot 4 – It's About Time is a great platformer that is a gorgeous title and must buy for fans of the series. It does, however, feature extremely high difficulty hampered by not-perfect controls.
MLB The Show 21 on the PS5 doesn't break what works…and with a new mode, pitching interface, cross-play, also improved load times and framerates. While it doesn't specifically highlight the new console, it again plays a strong game of baseball.
R-Type Final 2 is sadly the classic example of form over substance. On paper, it provides fans of the beloved R-Type series what they would want in a modern sequel. In reality, it is simply an unenjoyable, below average title with little allure to wade through it.
Space Invaders Invincible Collection's price tag is perhaps its greatest downfall. The franchise didn't age gracefully, and its best recent title in a more affordable package on the same Switch store. Only purists will appreciate what this limited collection has to offer.
When it's the only show in town, it's impossible to recommend alternatives. Madden 22 returns almost all of 21, but with some slight immersion and gameplay upgrades. Annoying bugs and gameplay question marks persist, as does the convoluted and highest barrier of entry control scheme. Still, veterans of the series – especially most skilled – will willingly dive in.
Despite all of its gains…and perhaps I'm being over-critical…but NBA 2K22 remains a gorgeous but ultimately non-fun experience unless for those who spend lot of money on VC. Yes, you can grind, but this alternative would take dozens of hours and hundreds of painful losses online/offline. Also, the solid improvements to the shot meter, off ball defense and overall AI cannot overcome the lack of on-ball spacing, right stick spamming requirements, and/or omnipresent sensation of being stuck to a defender indefinitely.
It's easy to declare Director's Cut the best way to play Death Stranding, period. It looks and executes like a dream, and crosses over PS4 saves seamlessly (to include perfect transfer of trophies). Its improved presentation and gameplay additions (notably DualSense integration) are stellar, and make a great game…even greater. Also, the new modes, items and options are icing on an already delicious cake. Death Stranding Director's Cut is therefore an arguably must buy for PS5 owners new to the game, a solid upgrade previous players will definitely appreciate.
Even with an outstanding Hot Wheels license to work with, Hot Wheels Unleashed's generic and uninspired execution coupled with lower presentation qualities makes it a below average racing title.
While still a bit formulaic, Far Cry 6 stands as perhaps the best Far Cry experience to date and one beautifully presented and executed on the PS5. In doing so, it builds capably on previous Far Cry titles while adding an array of terrific new additions to the fold.
A wonderfully unique experience housed in an average game, The Eternal Cylinder tells a strong tale but executes it in a pedestrian way. Play it for the story, not the gameplay.
As the sum of its parts, FIFA 22 is the best FIFA in years…and plays a strong game of football on the PS5. The decision to go more sim-heavy is long overdue, with finally a befitting pace and defensive posture to the beautiful game. Online contests – even with exploits via microtransaction supercharged players – are much more balanced. There's so much to do both online and offline, it's an easy recommendation for both casual and committed football fanatics.
We finally have a truly next-gen sport title, and it's amazingly NHL 22. A complete overhaul to everything about the game and series makes for the best hockey title in decades. Even with its faults, this is a must-buy for hockey fans.
In so many ways, Death's Door is the high end indy title to a tee. It's extremely polished, very creative, terrific for shorter sessions, but lacks a little in depth. Still, it's hard not to recommend Death's Door for fans of the action-adventure, Zelda genre and/or someone looking for something truly different for the Switch. Just note it can be a visual struggle when played in the Switch's portable fashion.
Gran Turismo 7 is a gorgeous celebration of all things driving. It's splendid presentation and 400 + car homage to the world's favorite vehicles is a car lover's dream. What it isn't, however, is a true 'real driving simulator.' While easily a step up from GT Sport in offerings and presentation, those looking for an exhilarating gameplay experience will likely be disappointed.
A surprisingly strong return to the squared circle, stellar presentation, a new gameplay engine, and robust modes make WWE 2K22 the best 2K in a long time.
MLB The Show 22 again raises the bar in its visual and audio representation, with subtle realism upgrades that improve an already strong title. There's not a lot that's new here versus MLB 21, but it's sure to please Diamond Dynasty players also those wanting to see the art of the possible in 4K.
Mario Strikers Battle Leagues adds a few new wrinkles to the original Strikers formula, and does in a tight and well-presented package. While it may disappoint those expecting more variety and a soccer component, fans of Nintendo fighters and the attack/counterattack battle system genre will feel at home here.
Even as a shorter game and with limited character leveling, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge is arguably the best beat-em-up and TMNT experience ages. If you have a buddy or several to tackle the forces of foot clan evil with, jump on this one.
MX vs ATV Legends is the white elephant gift for fans of good racers. Not even MX, ATV or UTV racing diehards will find anything worthwhile in this broken physics and presentation mess. Hard pass.