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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Blair Witch for the Quest is a good game at its core, but one which sadly took a turn for the worse in going virtual. Graphics, gameplay and execution shortcomings make the original version of the game a better option.
Even with a sizable graphical downgrade, The Walking Dead Saints and Sinners (Tourist Edition) is a wonderful launch title for the Oculus Quest 2. Its attention to detail and outstanding interface truly help the platform and title shine.
Walkabout Mini Golf is one of the greatest pleasant surprises in the VR space to date. It's the rare truly must purchase, even more so at such a competitive price.
The best of the series but with little improvements over its predecessors, NHL 21 is a respectable hockey send-off for modern consoles. Per prior, NHL still looks and sounds great, but remains hampered by AI and identity shortcomings.
Easy on the eyes and ears and fun to play, WWE 2K Battlegrounds is a simplified title that mainly works. Its horrific paywall system, however, immediately kills much of its good will.
Tennis World Tour 2 is sadly yet another modern tennis game that falls short. Despite bringing Big Ant over from AO Tennis 2, the game ends up burdened by poor execution and gameplay. Even at a budget price, consider holding off until future patches potentially address these also expand the legends roster.
For NFL diehards, there remains hundreds of gaming hours at your disposal in Madden 21. These same diehards – much like players of EA's NHL and Sony's The Show – will be left with the impression they've played this game before, however.
UFC 4 is 1.5 steps forward…1 step back from UFC 3. The series' over-emphasis on realism but also widest playability remains an awkward marriage. Still, it's also one of the deepest sports titles available, and a great homage to the MMA genre.