The Medium is at its best when you are exploring its remarkable, beautiful worlds, or enjoying the excellent composition and art direction. Unfortunately, the gameplay does not meet that high mark, and often detracts from what is otherwise a stellar aesthetic experience.
Mafia: Definitive Edition improves on the original in every way. It does this by telling a remarkable story bolstered by beautifully detailed visuals and excellent performances. The outdated mission design and gameplay keep it from ever feeling truly modern however.
Crash 4 isn't just a competent sequel, it's a genuinely well-made platformer in its own right. It expands on its now-ancient predecessors in meaningful ways, and incorporates some truly lovely visuals alongside plenty of compelling and challenging level designs that manage to stay fresh throughout.
A Plague Tale: Innocence doesn't push the envelope as far as gameplay is concerned, but the incredibly compelling art direction and great writing should be experienced by any fans of single-player, narrative-driven experiences who don't mind incredibly dark subject matter.
Resident Evil 2 is loyal to the original where it counts, while also upgrading the experience with beautiful visuals and modern gameplay conveniences. It's so loyal that newcomers might find it a touch archaic, but for fans of the original, it's an absolute joy to play, and a fantastic horror game in its own right.
It's Diablo 3 on the go! The added local multiplayer functionality and the fact that it's a thoroughly competent port make this an easy recommendation for fans of the franchise who want a portable version, or for newcomers who want to jump in.
Assassin's Creed Odyssey hits all the notes a sequel should. It's bigger, prettier, the existing mechanics have been improved, and there's plenty more added. It tells an engaging story, with an excellent protagonist (play Kassandra), all in a beautifully realized setting.
Shadow of the Tomb Raider is a perfect example of a modern AAA video game. It has all the polish and extraordinary visuals you'd expect from the third entry in a huge franchise, but it's also held back by uninspired writing and an emphasis on archaic video game conventions like boring gunplay. These weaknesses detract from the overall experience, but it still manages to be a fun, polished, and absolutely beautiful game.
God of War takes everything good about the franchise and elevates it. Almost every aspect is polished to a fine sheen, with a particular standout being the world itself, and the new emphasis on telling a mature and meaningful story that explores remarkably complex themes. God of War sets a new bar for storytelling and world building in games, and transforms Kratos from a one note character to a fascinating man with a story worth hearing. If you have a PS4, this is a must have title.
Sprint Vector is an immensely entertaining VR racing experience that handles movement in a very unique way. If you're looking for a Mario Kart style VR game, you've found it.
Need For Speed Payback is fun when you're behind the wheel, but is constrained by questionable design decisions like an emphasis on a mediocre story and a wonky car upgrade system.
The Evil Within 2 improves on the sequel in every way, while retaining the core of what made the first one special. Better gameplay, better story, and more options make this an all around excellent survival horror experience.
Raw Data might not be reaching for artistic profundity with its narrative or setting, but what it lacks in creativity it makes up for in polish and sheer entertainment value.
Rez is an on-rails shooter that shines due to its unique auditory and visual design. Rez has aged well, and the added immersion of VR makes a great game even better.
Archangel is an on-rails shooter with a promising concept, but is disappointingly average in almost every way.
Gigantic is an entertaining combination of a MOBA and a team based shooter, and what it lacks in originality it makes up for in charm and polished controls.
Lone Echo is a smart VR experience that handles movement exceptionally well. It's one of the most polished and engaging VR games currently available.
Dawn of Andromeda is a thinking man's space simulator, with a complex network of systems that give you control over your expanding galactic empire. Though the level of control and and minutiae might be a turnoff for some, once you understand the systems it becomes a satisfying foray into space bureaucracy.
Narcosis is a frightening, cerebral game that taps into your basest instincts of fear and survival with a beautifully rendered environment and thoughtful story. The short length of the game and the actual mechanics keep it from being a masterpiece, but it is an excellent debut effort from Honor Code.
Despite a puerile sense of humor Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition channels the soul of old school first person shooters like Serious Sam and Doom, with a modern look and a creative twist.