Ryan Welch
A Plague Tale: Innocence is a genuine surprise in terms of story depth and beauty. The game mechanics drive the plot further, giving us a truly terrifying look at siblings who are in way over their head. I can imagine that some will find the constant escort and stealth tedious over time, but I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I would consider A Plague Tale an earlier contender for surprise hit of the year. Don't miss out on this game!
Ape Out offers a simple, yet stylistic experience that will keep you occupied and entertained for hours. It stands out as a truly unique indie game that you don't want to miss. The challenge speaks for itself and is a real visual and audio treat.
Yoku's Island Express surprised me from start to finish. It has taken the core pinball mechanics and blended it with a wonderful story, memorable characters, and natural progression system that you would see in a platforming game. The mechanics work exceptionally well, and it is a joy to play from start to finish. If you love pinball and want to see it in a refreshing way, then you owe it to yourself to check out Yoku's Island Express.
Above all else, Forgotton Anne is a wonderful game that is more focused on the story than groundbreaking gameplay. And in this case, I am perfectly fine with that. The story does have some twists and turns that you might see coming, yet your decision making makes these story aspects intriguing and emotional.
Bomber Crew is a chaotic strategy game that puts your mental skills to the test. You will be tested often, and beating the mission is extremely satisfying. It runs great on the Nintendo Switch, although the controls are a bit harder than the mouse and keyboard. Don't sleep on Bomber Crew if you have a Switch. It is well worth the price.
Last Day of June is a unique and beautiful tale of joy, tragedy, and the will to save the one you love. The gameplay may be too simple for some, but I recommend Last Day of June for anyone who wants to experience an emotional story with beautiful art design.
Super Cloudbuilt is a very fun and beautiful platformer. The gameplay is really fun and gamers will no doubt enjoy the massive levels and multiple paths you can take while free running to your destination. There are little things like personal checkpoints and different control schemes that make this accessible to all kinds of gamers.
Mr. Shifty is a wonderful indie game with gameplay that makes you feel unstoppable. It's an exhilarating feeling when you take out enemies with teleportation. The levels are challenging and, most importantly, it is extremely fun to play. At $14.99, I can't recommend Mr. Shifty enough.
88 Heroes gives me exactly what I am looking for in a retro platformer. It's challenging with classic graphics and sound. An added bonus is the hysterical heroes and the challenge the comes with randomly generating the hero for each level. I highly recommend 88 Heroes if you are looking for a fun and challenging retro experience.
Sniper Elite 4 is filled with action and variety. Fans of the series as well as gamers who love shooters will enjoy the x-ray kill cams and multiple ways to complete the objectives. While the story is weak, the replay value is extremely high. I highly recommend Sniper Elite 4!
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.
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.
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!
At first glance, Arca’s Path looks like a simple marble game. But it is much more than that. The story helps motivate you to keep going through the challenging levels. And the hand's free controls work extremely well, and ties into what the protagonist is going through. I really enjoyed Arca’s Path, and recommend you add it to your growing VR library.
GRIS is a moving work of art. If the stunning visuals don't entice you to play, then the messages from the story will. If you haven't played GRIS yet, then do so immediately.
Overcooked 2 takes the strong foundation of the original game and improves in the right areas. It's still fun, chaotic, and a blast to play with friends. The gameplay mechanics are simple and smooth. There are plenty of recipes, chefs, and kitchens in Overcooked 2 to keep you entertained for months on end. I would definitely recommend playing with friends. This is one game you do not want to send back to the kitchen.
Moss surpassed my expectations and is my favorite VR game of all time. It offers a wonderful story, engaging character, and utilizes VR in a way that I have not experienced before. If you are a PSVR owner, then you owe it to yourself to purchase this game.
Far Cry 5 covers the majority of what you can expect in the series - chaotic gameplay, loads of content, and memorable antagonists. Yet Far Cry 5 makes subtle changes that make the journey more memorable. Far Cry 5 is not just the usual with a new coat of paint - the new setting, Guns/Fangs for Hire, and subtle gameplay changes helps create an overall amazing gameplay experience.
Embers of Mirrim is a fantastic platformer. It's beautifully made with nice, crisp controls. The Ember system is a huge highlight that offers challenge and a ton of fun. The puzzles and bosses can be a little challenging towards the later part of the game, but offers a ton of content in the form of platforming, puzzles, boss battles, and secrets to find.
Stardew Valley is an incredible example of how characterization and choices can create an engrossing gaming experience. Each choice you make has lasting consequences and repercussions. If anything, Stardew Valley gives you not only a farming experience, but a look at how life can change with hard work and caring about your fellow man.