Ryan Welch
Death's Door is a definitive Game of the Year candidate. The story is engrossing, the action is tense and fun, and the game is filled with memorable bosses and characters. I couldn't stop smiling while playing, even at times when I kept dying to challenging enemies. The game can be a bit short if you play straight through, but you will be rewarded if you take the time to explore. Death's Door is a must-buy, and I can't recommend it enough.
Biomutant is a game that is entertaining yet bogged down by the challenges of the open-world genre. The story is very interesting, but the repetitiveness that comes with open-world games is on display here. Yet there is a lot of entertainment value that can’t be ignored. The world looks amazing and there are a lot of fun moments when you create a character and level up into a powerful mutant. It may not be a perfect game, but I think it’s worth trying.
An ambitious undertaking that is marred by poor writing and bugs.
With any Call of Duty, there are pros and cons. Black Ops Cold War has a lot of subtle changes that I really enjoyed in Campaign, Multiplayer, and Zombies. However, it might now be enough to satisfy rabid fans of the franchise. If you are disappointed, just remember that future updates will hopefully change things that you don't agree with. As for me, I found a lot to like in Black Ops Cold War, even though these changes may not be groundbreaking. And even if you don't enjoy the changes, I must say that playing on next-gen consoles is an incredible experience. Fast frame rates, load times, and graphics are massive pluses for this franchise. I can't wait to see what they can pull off with the next iteration on next-gen consoles.
9 Monkeys of Shaolin is a good throwback to side-scrolling action games of old. There is a lot to like, like the intricate combat system that is very satisfying once you master it. Keep in mind that this is very challenging and you will need some patience to master it. However, it's a good amount of fun and won't take you too much time to beat. If you're looking for a quick action game, give this one a try.
WWE 2K Battlegrounds is stylish, fast-paced, and fun. However, it's pretty light on roster and options for create-a-wrestler. I wish there were more options to unlock things instead of hiding it all behind a paywall. Despite that, Battlegrounds accomplishes what it intends to do, which is entertain wrestling fans as we wait for the next-gen entry into the WWE 2K series.
In a world where choices affect so many outcomes, Wasteland 3 emphasizes the phrase “choose wisely.” Your outcomes will greatly differ depending on how you complete main and side missions, as well as how you use the many skills and attributes to fill out your ultimate Ranger squad. Wasteland 3 is a remarkable game that gives you tons of meaty content that you can spend hours and hours with.
Fall Guys is flat out fun. It is a must play with friends and has plenty of room to grow. It's silly and competitive in all the right ways. I'm excited to see it's future.
There is a ton of potential in it's current state, but needs some additional content to really flush out the game. The core gameplay is incredible, but is it enough to keep players coming back? I would love to see a future roadmap for additional content. If players know that more content is coming, then I truly believe Skater XL will live up to the potential and be a standout skating simulator for years to come.
Carrion is a must-play if you are a fan of Metroidvanias or horror games. It has an interesting story and wonderful mechanics that help set it apart from other horror games. It feels good to be the creature and each new ability makes you want to keep exploring and snack on some scientists. More importantly, Carrion is flat out fun. Give it a try today!
I have been really enjoying Zombie Army 4, and I highly recommend you give it a shot. If you have played any of the previous games, or if you are looking for a short, multiplayer shooter, then you are in for a treat. It is a blast to play with friends, and if you are a fan of zombie games, you owe it to yourself to play it.
Saints Row the Third: Remastered is one of the better remasters on the market. Overall, the improvements in graphics are very noticeable and appreciated in my opinion. Fans of the series will appreciate jumping back into the game after all these years, and it still provides hours of content and entertainment. It's not perfect (and some of the humor is a bit outdated), but this remaster is worth picking up, especially if you are a fan of the franchise.
Overall, Golf With Your Friends is a fun multiplayer experience. The courses are challenging and very fun with friends. Just make sure to look through the settings before starting, and choose things that will improve your experience. If anything else, channel your inner Happy Gilmore and smack the crap out of the ball.
Hands down, Streets of Rage 4 is the best game of the franchise and one of my favorite modern brawlers. Those who lean heavily on retro games will no doubt love the story and action. It's beautiful and has an amazing soundtrack. Fans of the franchise will love this entry, and those looking for a few hours to kill will also be entertained. Streets of Rage 4 is easily one of my favorite games of 2020.
If you are looking for a unique puzzler, or want to connect with characters as you live through social distancing, then I would recommend you pick up A Fold Apart.
A great multiplayer game in a time where we need it the most. Simple concept made great with easy to learn controls, nice art design, and chaotic moving fun.
Tools Up! is a great entry in the simulation/party genre. It's a blast to play with friends and provides a good deal of challenge. If you have someone who struggles with time limits, the party mode is a great option because the timer counts up instead of down, giving you more time to play. I hope that Tools Up! will be supported with future levels that add a little more creativity and wackiness to the game. It would be great to have more environmental challenges instead of only using lava and slippery floors in later levels. As is, Tools Up! is a great party game that will entertain your family...or frustrate them if they don't communicate well.
Mario & Sonic at the Olympics is a great party game. It can be challenging, especially if you hate when button commands don't respond at the quickness you want it to. I hope that additional events will be added. As is, the 2D and Dream Events are far too few in number. Still, it's worth a playthrough, especially with family and friends this holiday season.
Modern Warfare is a reimagining of arguably the franchise's best games. And I hope that it is the first step in a new direction for the series in terms of quality. The graphics and sound are the best in the entire series. The single-player campaign is exhilarating, exhausting, and moving in some instances. The multiplayer and Spec Ops are a little weak at launch, but will no doubt be bolstered with more fan feedback and continued support by the development team. Modern Warfare is a game for a modern generation, and I can't wait to see where it goes in the future.
The remaster of Ghostbusters: The Video Game has a specific audience. That audience, because of my love of the franchise, includes me. However, I don't consider this game to be a "must play." The remaster helped improve the graphic quality, but it still feels like an average game from yesteryear. If you love Ghostbusters, then you will love the story and voice cast, for obvious reasons.