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.
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.
It's hard to have a strong opinion on WWE 2K23 noting the realities of WWE 2K22…and still no AEW title in sight. Still and with such a strong product at launch, it's now clear 2K does not require Yuke's to make a viable and enjoyable WWE offering. Thus, WWE 2K23 is a definitive win on the PS5, and will offer oodles of play and customization for any wrestling fan type.
All in all, MLB The Show 20 remains perhaps the deepest sports title on modern consoles. There's so much to do, it's the rare game that can keep a sports fan occupied for ¾ of a year, easily. It's not a vast improvement from the prior year's offering, but possesses enough upgrades to justify the purchase leap.
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.
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.
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.
Darksiders: Warmastered Edition is now the best of the series thus far, plus an added bonus of beginning the storyline from the very beginning (to subsequently tackle Darksiders II and III, if desired, and on other platforms). Conversely – and if you’ve played later versions and not the originals, give Darksiders: Warmastered Edition a go. You’ll appreciate the forward steps the series took by stepping backward.
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.
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.
As a big fan of the series, New Dawn was a welcome return to Hope County, Montana. It didn't wow, but the new progression system, fixed bugs, tighter maps, and nostalgia factor combine to make for a fun and familiar gameplay experience. Still, if you didn't care for Far Cry 5 there's probably not enough here to change your mind.
In Death: Unchained is the roguelite fans or even non-fans of the genre need to play. While it won't blow anyone away in technical features, its robust gameplay, awesome physics and sneaky depth make it an outstanding Quest library addition.
Gotham Knights is a beautiful game that tells an amazing story. Fans of Batman and Arkham Knights will definitely like what they see. Still, the game's over-reliance on grapple and grind can wear thin, even with a terrific nightly progression system that advances main and side missions wonderfully. Final judgment should be reserved for robust multiplayer inclusion, however.
A nice upgrade from WRC 7, there's finally a legitimate competitor for the Dirt series. Still, WRC 8 is best suited for those with a wheel setup and/or already fans of the rally race concept.
Samurai Showdown for the Switch is a brilliant reboot of a terrific classic fighter. Its unique fighting mechanics persist, backed by a beautiful presentation upgrade. Still, its online community is lacking, and its uniqueness may be off-putting to many.
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.
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.
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.