Animal Crossing: New Horizons could end up being the most important game of 2020. It certainly will be one of its best. It will be the coping mechanism that helps people both recover from and overcome the dark things around them.
Even though Bayonetta and Vanquish are sliding into our hearts again and people should definitely play them, this definitely isn’t one of the better remasters out there.
It is pretty clear [Darksiders Genesis] didn’t get the same level of attention as its predecessors.
AVICII Invector is a music game where the spaceship theme makes it feel more like a rhythmic adventure. It's a bit of a truncated one, to be sure. There are only three difficulty levels, where many of its contemporaries have four, and its song list is limited due to only championing the one artist and only offering 25 tracks. It's an adjustment, to be sure, but fans of AVICII and the genre will likely be pleased to have this option for their libraries.
While it sounds like a lot of changes are present here, and a lot is new, Pokemon Sword and Shield doesn’t really feel all that different. The Wild Area does change things up quite a bit, but it isn’t completely revolutionary just yet.
There are some strong elements here, and the balance between day and night activities can provide a good loop. It handles well, not letting obstacles get in people’s way, and gives folks a lot of extras to shoot for. Yes, it could use a more lifelike world, a more interesting story, and a better soundtrack. But, what’s here is fun. That’s what matters most right now.
It’ll be a fine pack to have stored away for all of the gatherings that will surely come as the holidays approach, though surely some people will be sad that none of the games let them really show off their drawing skills.
Code Vein feels like it wants to take the idea of community and important AIs and marry it with the gameplay and ideas prevalent in Soulslikes. It is a story-heavy affair that wants you to care about its characters, while also helping you find your way in a demanding world with thoughtful combat. There are some technical hitches along the way, such as frame rate drops, but they're the sort of problems that could very well be eventually fixed with patches. For now, it's a largely successful experiment into some new ideas.
Reel Fishing: Road Trip Adventure is a rather rudimentary game. It doesn't have a huge array of fish, and its locations aren't exactly packed with personality. It borrows ideas and looks from games that are much brighter and more engaging, then pales in comparison. It isn't a terrible game, but it feels very bland and eventually feels like you're going through the motions just so you can keep engaging in the same activities over and over again.
It looks, works, and plays well, and fans of the series will be more than happy to join the Crimson Raiders.
Erica isn’t exactly ambitious when it comes to FMV or adventure games. But it doesn’t have to be. It is a succinct experience with lots of different choices that change the story and lead to different sorts of outcomes. It is well performed has good transitions, and there are no overly-complicated inputs.
It’s a fantastic game that will easily become one of the NIntendo Switch’s most memorable titles.
Wargroove is the sort of game that brings back a feeling people had long forgot. Advance Wars has been absent for years and, while there were similar sorts of games like Tiny Metal, they didn’t quite capture the same magic. Wargroove does.
There are a lot of things Super Mario Maker 2 gets right.
. If the grind gets cut back and maybe the internet restrictions relaxed, it could end up becoming one of the most solid and beloved entries in the series.
It often feels like bits and pieces of Skorecery are missing. The concept is there and the Breakout-style gameplay works, but it is so rudimentary. You can only really play if you have at least one other person with you. If you do get other people around you, then you are limited to two playable characters. There are only really two modes, with one of them having a few different variations. It seems like a game that needs some updates to make it more of a well-rounded experience.
MLB the Show 19 has a lot to offer.
The Division 2 is a game that hit the ground running. Its story isn't the best and can be quite divisive, due to it not committing to the bit. However, the content necessary to make it a success is there.
Wandersong is the video game equivalent of a pep talk. This is your virtual cheerleader. Are you having a bad day? The Bard believes in you! Are you worried about being you? The Bard is your friend and will be there to hear you out. Having trouble solving a problem? Well, I mean, singing a jaunty tune probably won't suddenly make things right, but it might improve your mindset. Wandersong is one of the most pleasant and refreshing games out there. Even when the going gets tough, the goodwill garnered here will help you push through and enjoy another day.
Tetris Effect does incredible things with Tetris. The ambiance is unbelievable, and the array of modes make the puzzle game perfect for people whether they want an ordinary experience, something low key, or maybe one of the most brutal challenges like the unimaginably fast Classic Master mode. But, there are times when the atmosphere can get too distracting or overwhelming. It also is not for someone hoping for any sort of competitive affair, which is more of an advisory than an actual knock against it. Tetris Effect is a sort of instantly timeless puzzle game that is good about delivering the exact sort of single-player trial you need, when you need it.