Lego Jurassic World is a perfect port of the 2015 title with all DLC included. It does not, however, offer anything new either in the Lego game space and/or from the original. For Jurassic Park movie buffs (and/or those with little ones who are), however, this is a solid experience if this the first foray into the title. Otherwise, take a pass.
NHL 23 is NHL 22 with but some presentation polish and international women's teams. It stands as the most obvious current example on next gen of why some sport titles may be better served updated versus re-released when so little new. NHL superfans will no doubt purchase without a thought due to roster updates. Casual ones should consider staying put or at a reduced price. The accompanying review score is a reflection of this reality, as ratings take into account changes – or lack thereof – from NHL 22.
Megaquarium for the Switch is an enjoyable theme park builder suitable for entry level and experts of the genre. Those with aquarium experience will find a lot to love here. It is, however, best suited for dock mode only.
Blue Rider is fun, flashy but also flawed. It's nice to see a legitimate shoot-em-up on the PS4, one made by people who appreciate the genre. The graphical palette is beautiful, and rarely this nice for this genre. Audio is a throwback, and in the best of ways. Too few levels and no true continues make Blue Rider a likely tough sell except for score chasers.
More of a rehashed Madden 23, Madden 24's new additions do little to move the chains. Old hiccups return, new ones introduced, and it remains a title best suited for hardcore players.
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.
Perhaps younger gamers will be less turned off by these flaws, also those craving for some portable, co-op experiences online/offline to collectively embody their favorite Marvel heroes. Still – and unless you're an exceptional diehard, it's hard to recommend Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3…and coming from a Marvel diehard, no less.
While seasoned veterans of the Ace Combat series may have a much different perspective on its seventh iteration, I was unfortunately left disappointed by lots of glitz and limited glamour.
Combined, Madden 23 – especially with Free Form Passing – is certainly different from Madden 22, but not necessarily all that better. It still struggles in being accessible to most, with the bar for control schemes and required knowledge of American football far too high. On-screen help is still minimal, AI generated assistance limited, and fun factor almost non-existent. It's obvious the Madden series made a sharp turn toward competitive gaming and Ultimate Team a few years back, with zero regrets.
In contrast, those with a need for speed or a want for a Switch version of Truck Simulator…this is not for you. I would suspect several who buy this version sans advance knowledge will be done with it fifteen minutes in. Test: if strategic winching to escape a hopeless mud ditch isn't for you, than Spintires: Mudrunners American Wilds is a ‘pass.'
Dungeon Chess is a solid and affordable chess experience, one nicely paired with the Dungeons and Dragons brand. Still, graphic jitters and missing options make it a wait-and-see title, at present.
An homage to Darkstalkers more than anything, Capcom Fighter Collection is well packaged, presented and executed. There's not a lot of title diversity, but a few make their first overdue appearance outside of Japan and arcades.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.