Overall Niffelheim hits the mark in regards to setting, story and world building but misses terribly in play mechanics like combat and progression. It's a shame because in many the world begs to be explored and discovered. If you can stomach the grind then I do think there is some charm in this 2D side scroller RPG. However, for the average player, it's going to be tough to see base the deery combat and farming.
WarPlanes: WW2 Dogfight offers a fun light-hearted dog fight experience for players. Despite its repetitive mission types and unbalanced visuals, the title still is a fun arcade experience. If your looking for a quick dogfighting flight fix, then it might be worth checking out WarPlanes.
Unruly Heroes is a truly engaging platforming Action title. It hits all the highs of the genre and manages to avoid many of the pitfalls typical of the genre. From solid combat to unique design and mechanics, it's a title that offers an engaging experience for both veterans and novice players. If you're looking for a new platformer to pick up Unruly Heroes is one worth considering.
Omensight is a great title that suffers a bit from repetition in gameplay but makes up for it with some great combat, fun progression mechanics, excellent voice work and well-delivered story. If you're looking for a fun ARPG experience I would recommend checking out Omensight. With the game just recently finding its way to the Nintendo Switch as well as previously being available on Steam and PlayStation 4, Omensight is a fun, fast paced, story driven ARPG that has a lot to offer.
With all this packaged together, the player is presented with a well-balanced package that gives gamers a taste of what it used to be like to be called a gamer but never pushing so hard as to cause a rage quit, tip over the arcade machine and demand your quarters back.
Darksiders III at its core is a solid action RPG with some great storytelling, post-apocalyptic combat,and great characters. As the third title in a long running franchise its clear that there was a tension line between paying homage to the games that came before while still wanting to explore new concepts and mechanics. For the most partabout it works. Combata offers something fresh and after some growing pains for returning players franchise a rewarding experience. Other than some lackluster progression mechanics and maybe a little too much reliance on players knowledge of the world, Darksiders III offers a great new take on an existing franchise.
Ultimately, despite its long development cycle, Boundless is still very much a new experience for a lot of players. Much like games like Eve Online or even Black Desert Online, time will be the real measure of how well this player driven MMO really works but at present I'm having a blast running around and exploring because that's how I like to play!
Despite its shortcomings, Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus is a great playthrough. Specifically, I think it caters to a group of gamers that, until last year, were really missing out on the mobile platform. It demonstrates the potential of the Nintendo Switch as a serious FPS console while still offering the mobility and freedom that Nintendo strives to obtain. If you haven't picked up Wolfenstein 2 yet and own a Switch I think, despite its issues, you'll really enjoy the playthrough.
After a week's worth of time spent in Rainbow Skies I have to say that even as someone who is not typically a tactical, turn-based RPG player, I appreciate how much has gone into Rainbow Skies. It definitely scratches that particular itch with great progression mechanics, an intriguing world and story, and some great tactical combat. However, the game's unbalanced pacing in story delivery coupled with some serious "what do I do now" moments hamper this otherwise fun tactical, turn-based RPG.
Warriors Orochi 4 is a great offering in the tactical action genre with massive scale, excellent combat solid RPG offerings. Some repetitive NPC usages coupled with the grindy nature of the title might be a turn off to sum. However, if you are someone who loves develop overpowered characters and teams, is a completionist at heart or is looking for a title to grind through while binging whatever is on Netflix, Warriors Orochi 4 delivers!
Despite its flaws, I appreciate Death's Gambit and what it has accomplished. It offers a challenging, story-driven platforming experience that will reward the patient and methodical. Wrapped in a beautiful pixel art veneer and topped with a wonderful soundtrack, Death's Gambit is a treat for those willing to spend the time to master its combat and enemies. Will it appeal to everyone, absolutely no! However, much like games like Dark Souls, I don't really think that's the point.
Elder Scrolls Online: Summerset is an exciting new chapter for the MMO. It offers an engaging narrative that kept this progression driven gamer distracted which is saying a lot. Although the expansion didn't offer a new class we were introduced to a pretty fun new skill tree and despite the grind to unlock it, it offers some great new approaches to combat. With a beautiful new zone, intriguing story and only a few minor grievances, I highly recommend picking up Summerset.
At the end of the day Space Hulk: Deathwing Enhanced Edition feels like a fairly solid addition to the Warhammer 40k Universe. Its setting and visuals offer a great look at the dark gritty universe and the deliberate choices in combat mechanics will make you feel like a Space Marine. However, those same choices will definitely be a turn off to a lot of FPS players and when coupled with some awkward AI it's safe to say this title won't be for everyone.
Subaeria is a title that has loads of potential but suffers from a mix of poorly implemented roguelite mechanics and bugs. At present ,it's not a title I can wholeheartedly recommend. However ,the issues mentioned can be patched out and hopefully soon as Subaeria has the potential to be a great action puzzler.
At the end of the day, Sword of Ditto is a fun ARPG with a few issues. The roguelike elements are actually handled really well with this title allowing guys like me that are both terrible at and frustrated with the concept, the opportunity to enjoy the genre. Combat and progression work well and in the case of the latter allows each playthrough to feel like you have accomplished something. Its issues of repetitive combat and odd looting problems do hold it back from being truly amazing but Sword of Ditto is a solid offering that pulls on the nostalgic heartstrings of my youth with its legend of Zelda inspirations and superb handling of the roguelike mechanics.
For what it is (a PVP/PVE ship battle arena shooter), Dreadnought hits all the right notes for a co-op focused frag fest set in a colonial starship setting.
Need For Speed Payback is a mixed bag. One the one hand it’s a fun arcade racer with great customization, a wide range of cars and race styles and some truly great single player moments. Yet with the other hand holding an underwhelming multiplayer experience, lather, rinse repeat story missions, and some awkward storytelling pacing, NFS never seems to hit top gear in its goal to capture the glory of the old days.
Slime-san: Blackbird’s Kraken offers a lot of features for an expansion. Even with my time spent I was just beginning to unlock set pieces, secret characters and dive into everything the game has to offer. With a crazy mini-game and an Island that you can spend time exploring on there really are a lot of things to do in this title. If you enjoy the speed platformer (it’s officially a thing now) Blackbird’s Kraken can offer you many hours of jumping, running and dashing.
As a long time fan or a newcomer to the genre, Nex Machina is great addition to the SHMUP games list. It hits all the right notes and offers a satisfying experience. Available on both PC and PS4, this is a game I would recommend for lovers of the genre or those interested in trying out a reimagining of the classic genre.
If you love co-op or horror or both, I highly recommend checking out Dead by Daylight. It offers a refreshing take on so many different game mechanics. This title really does bring something unique to the table. Aside from a couple of minor issues the console release really live up to the legacy that Dead by Daylight has already fostered since its initial release. If you’re in the market for a great co-op gaming experience in a unique setting this game will deliver.