Casey Scheld's Reviews
Hollow Knight: Voidheart Edition shakes up the MetroidVania space with excellent worldbuilding and the challenge to match. Though the game does not hold your hand, those willing to face the world of Hallownest will find a game with a lot of “Soul.”
Lethal League Blaze improves upon the original release in almost every way, offering up challenging gameplay that is both accessible and deep. The single player offerings might be a bit light, but those that bring a friend along will enjoy throwing down.
Wonder Wickets turns the game of golf on its head with its vibrant worlds and saccharine stylings. Gameplay can be somewhat gimmicky, but those looking for a far out take on the time-tested sport will find a lot to like here.
Those with a love of visual novels, good art, or fur babies will enjoy Cateau. Though it ends far too soon, it provides a wholesome romp filled with three distinct personalities.
Rival Megagun deftly changes up the shmup formula while effortlessly nailing the basics. PVP is a game changer, and while more characters and stages would be welcome, what is here provides a compelling competitive challenge that places an emphasis on both defense and offense.
Endhall might be small in stature, but it hits all the right notes for a compelling roguelike. Those that like to experiment will find an adventure worth their time, however short it may be.
Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled's sheer amount of content and modes make it the best kart racer value on the market today. Packing both skill and charm, this is one title worth its weight in Wumpa Fruits.
Featuring an original mechanic and a fair amount of polish, Risk System leads the shoot-em-up pack. Those willing to cut their teeth will enjoy a title carefully crafted by experts of the genre.
Packing retro aesthetics and just the right amount of challenge, Blazing Chrome is the best run-and-gun in years. Though it is a bit on the short side, it perfectly encapsulates the pure kinetic energy that put the genre on the map.
River City Girls gives the beat-em-up genre a new lease on life with its solid combat, stellar spritework, and sprawling world. Those that can stomach some backtracking will find an adventure worthy of biffing a few baddies over.
Gunkid 99 is a fast, frantic arena shooter with an interesting hook. Putting the focus on the weapons rather than the enemies is an interesting proposition, and its tight platforming mechanics seal the deal.
Not for Broadcast: Prologue provides a fresh experience that pairs original gameplay with a great sense of humor. Though there is a bit of hand-holding, this taste of things to come has got us eager for the final release.
Turning the shmup genre on its head, Blast Rush Classic kicks things up a notch with its focus on firepower and incredible sense of speed.
Arcade aficionados and Gundam fans alike will have an absolute blast with Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme Vs. Maxi Boost ON. While there is a bit of a learning curve, the sheer speed, depth, and fanservice on display make it a shining example of the fighting game genre.
Much like a fine meal, The Supper leaves players craving more when all is said and done. Though it feels more like an appetizer than a full course, what is present here hits all the right notes for the point-and-click genre.
FOOTSIES Rollback Edition might not look the part, but the simplistic presentation hides some serious depth. Those looking to master the basics or need a refresher on the fundamentals will enjoy throwing down in this FGC-approved title.
Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time carries the torch for the series, providing a worthy follow-up to Crash and Coco's adventures. The trial and error gameplay isn't for everyone, but those eager for a challenge will enjoy doing so with the next-gen prowess of the PlayStation 5.
Those with a pocket full of quarters and a fervent love for the classics will be right at home with the side-scrolling action of Steel Assault. It might be a bit on the short side, but it encourages absolute mastery - just mind the gap.
The battle between light and darkness never looked so good in GRAND CROSS: ReNOVATION. The Sun Blade mechanic is a much-needed breath of fresh air in the shmup space, one hardcore fans will enjoy mastering.
Windjammers 2 is a worthy successor to the disc flying action of the Neo-Geo classic. While it is a bit light on modes, its core action has enough variety to be the next big competitive hit.