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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Doom Eternal does its legacy proud. Unabashedly difficult, frantic, and single player-centric, it knows what it is…and does it well.
NBA2K23 is a product of many arguably long overdue, bold decisions, and they combine to produce the best 2K in seemingly forever. Yes, some outstanding quibbles persist, but massive upgrades to gameplay, AI, a legitimate emphasis on classic eras, and no contracts in MyTeam are all winners.
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.
If you're a Switch owner with a passing interest in baseball, Super Mega Baseball 3 is a must buy. One of the best independent titles to date on the platform – and arguably the best indy sports title, period – it does everything its predecessors did…only better.
Let It Die is flawed, but it’s perhaps the best free-to-play game ever made on the PS4. It’s different, daring, and occasionally impossible. But it’s also a must play for fans of the roguelike gene.
Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration is a tremendous and perfectly presented package at a solid price point. Its terrific and closest look at the history of Atari – supported by wonderfully playable versions of its titles – make this perhaps the best gaming compilation of the modern console era.
Lone Echo is an incredible leap forward for VR via its ability to capture both zero gravity and space environments. It does have its fair share of interaction and progression bugs, but not enough to significantly detract from something truly special. Those prone to motion sickness, ease into it.