If you just let Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time wash over you, you’ll probably have a great time. But if you want to dig in more beneath the surface, or dress Crash up like a pirate, you’ll be leaving that great time behind.
I don’t even really like the combat that much relative to some other games. But because of all the synergies, because of the loop-driven storytelling, and because of the overwhelming quality of the music, visuals, acting, and more I’m still working my way to the true ending. At the end of the day I just want to know everything all these characters have to say.
It isn’t the game it could be, or the game I see in my head when I think of its concept. But it’s an earnest, goofy, breezy, little multiplayer brawler I can enjoy with my wrestling fan friends without trying to make sure everyone understands the controls over on the simulation side.
Unlike that other game about the mushroom-y apocalypse, Void Terrarium is an optimistic game despite its dour premise. It isn’t afraid to be funny even in a sad context, and it really clings onto a sense of hope.
Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2 is a superb sequel. It has everything that made the first game a surprise hit, but expands and adds to it with a level of care that shines through the whole thing.
Deadly Premonition 2: A Blessing in Disguise is exactly the sequel to Deadly Premonition a fan of the original should expect.
Despite being a port of a 2002 GameCube game, Mr. Driller DrillLand feels, looks, and hangs with games as they are today. There are tons of depth to the core game, but add a ton of built-in variants that really change your approach and you've got an exemplary entry. The new difficulty setting is a great touch, too.
A fascinating collection that brings attention to a crucial moment in video game history. These aren't all the best ways to play these games (and some of them are just not fun at all), but that isn't necessarily the point. Unreleased games and new "bonus" titles not available anywhere else make this a must-have for history enthusiasts.
Summer in Mara is an adorable, thoughtful game that approaches spaces we’re very used to from a different angle. Animal Crossing thinks it’s a chill game, but it buries you under tasks, goals, and timely events. Harvest Moon slaps you with a time limit to make a great, booming farm. Dragon Quest Builders will freakin’ kill you. Summer in Mara just wants you to take care of yourself, be thankful to nature, and have a good time exploring. But it also wants you to accomplish a million tasks along the way, and that gets tedious. A shorter runtime or more variation in questlines would have done this game wonders, but as it is, it’s still a fun, relaxing adventure propelled by an endearing message.
Minecraft Dungeons won’t do much for you if you’re looking for a new, true blue dungeon crawler. But if you have a little one to tag along on your expeditions, this is an accessible, cheerful, and polished romp perfect for extra bonding time.
Originally a 2000 Neo Geo Pocket Color release, SNK Gals' Fighters makes its reappearance on the Nintendo Switch. Despite its low price, there's a lot more effort than you might expect to make this celebratory release feel cared for.
Streets of Rage 4 is unmistakably a sequel to this classic franchise; the developers understood what made the originals so great, and expanded upon them in ways that make sense. The most lovably crafted and well-designed brawler in ages.
Final Fantasy VII Remake is going to be weird in so many different ways for so many different people, and for that reason alone I have to give it an enthusiastic recommendation.
Overall I’m coming away from Bleeding Edge pretty disappointed.
Team Ninja has really changed its output style over the years, and it’s nailing this scene for sure.
As a party-friendly anime fighter, My Hero One's Justice 2 is a clear upgrade.
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is an intriguing entry in the ongoing Dragon Ball video game experiment.
Heroland is an excellent “podcast game.” You can take your time with the actual important parts, paying attention to new boss battles and enjoying the story, then zone out with a show or something while you grind older levels to get your party up to speed.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is a big, sloppy hodgepodge of AAA video game tropes, nerdy Star Wars stuff, and unearned blockbuster drama.
As the third game in a set of direct sequels, tied into several other games set in the same world and timeline, it’s simply amazing those creative juices are still flowing and coherent. It’ll be over soon, but jeez, hell of a run.