Remnant 2: The Awakened King is an excellent addition to an already solid game. It offers a unique new Story and provides a new perspective on a previously explored zone. Additionally, it offers new lore, weapons, gear and Archetype for veteran players to experiment with.
Return to Moria, from Free Range Games, is a fun experience for fans of survival titles and Lord of the Rings. It takes some of the better systems from the genre and marries them to the lore and setting of Moria, the result of which is a world that fans can be excited about.
While it is hampered a bit by a lacking tutorial on Dual archetypes and some balancing issues, Remnant 2, none the less presents an engaging story, solid combat and great progression systems wrapped in a very well-built world.
A platforming masterclass from developer Double Stallion. Accessible for League fans and newcomers alike that nails it on every level. Put some time on your clock for this adventure.
Remnant: From the Ashes is still an excellent game. Gunfire Game’s port to the Nintendo Switch has made an exceptionally great game accessible to a whole new group of gamers. Tight, responsive controls and consistently smooth gameplay performance make up for some downgraded visuals. This leaves you with a solid offering for the Nintendo Switch. If you’re in the market for a Souls-like with a unique story, a bit more forgiving gameplay and also like to game on the go then I can highly recommend picking up Remnant: From the Ashes on the Nintendo Store.
When thrown in with two other great titles (more on those soon) Rock N Roll Racing was an innovative racing title that still plays well today. Priced at a smooth $19.99USD for the whole collection, I don't think you can go wrong picking up this blast from the past.
DOOM Eternal on Nintendo Switch is a mechanically smooth experience to play. Combat feels tight, controls are decent and it runs smoothly. It's one of the most impressive shooters of this generation and the fact that I can play it on a handheld device is exceptionally impressive. However, all of this comes at the cost of visual fidelity which is both distracting and takes away from the game's overall appeal.
Foregone is a solid offering. Combat, progression, and platforming are all fast, fluid, and engaging. What it lacks in fresh, original concepts and mechanics it makes up for a refined Metroidvania experience. If you are looking for a fun, engaging platformer with a good story and some refined mechanics, Foregone delivers.
Star Renegades is a fun, challenging Rogue-lite RPG. Its creative use of familiar game mechanics is a bit of a double-edged (laser)sword. On the one hand, once you get the rhythm of gameplay and world navigation it's a great gameplay experience. However getting to that point can be a bit of a slog, especially for gamers who are dipping their toes in the genre. Overall, though, Massive Damage has created a game that sets itself apart enough with its unique gameplay and premise, that it's worth taking a look at.
Project Warlock is a delightful tribute to 90's shooters. It manages to find a perfect balance between old and new all the while still being its own entity. The console port is exceptionally well handled and offers some great options for players. The game attention to detail really helps make PW stand out among others retro titles in the genre. If you are looking for a 90's nostalgia trip or just a fun shooter, check out Project Warlock over on the PlayStation Store.
If you loved DOOM 2016 I think you're are going to love DOOM Eternal. It takes the best parts of 2016 and somehow finds a way to improve on them. Throw in some amazing easter eggs, new enemy types, movement mechanics and level design and you have a formula for amazing. Sure it'll take a level or so to figure out this new combat rhythm but once you find it, you'll never want to go back.
Ultimately Last Encounter is a decent game that misses the mark on greatness.
So is Riverbond worth your time? If you have kids I would say that they couch coop experience is great. It introduces them to a great genre with a family-friendly filter. If you're looking for the next dungeon crawler for yourself I worry that there just isn't enough here to keep you interested for any length of time.
I struggle with Vampyr as a title. One the one hand, I love so many of the concepts and ideas that are packed into this game. Moral dilemmas, mystery, Vampires; these are a few of my favourite things. The fact that it takes place in such an intense and interesting historical time with such engaging narrative concepts excites me to my core. Yet frustrating porting issues, a lifeless world, endless dialogue and washed out visuals made it a slog to get through. As much as I would love to recommend Vampyr, I fear that the darkest parts of Vampyr have overcome the light.
The Wild Eight is a great addition to the survival genre. With some creative storytelling, some underlying mysteries and an incredible progression and crafting system, it's a title that can keep players engaged.
Legend of Zelda - Link’s Awakening is great remake of the classic. Beautiful visuals, updated controls and an added Dungeon builder all breath new life into the title. Despite some frame rate issues, the game is a blast to play through and worth picking up not only if you love Zelda but also for those looking for an easy point of entry into the franchise.
Overall the Nintendo Switch version of Torchlight II is excellent. With full multiplayer support, both local and online, unique pets based on your console of choice and so many quality of life updates geared towards console players, Torchlight II is an ARPG worth picking up. If your a console player who loves ARPG's or are interested in ARPG's or you just love Torchlight II, I suggest taking a look at one of the best ARPG's on the market.
Overall the Doom Collection on Switch is a treat to own. It has literally provided several hours of entertainment. Each game offers a smooth, slick gameplay experience and offers players some serious bang for the buck. Despite the sleep mode issue, all three titles are worth picking up if you're a fan of the series and are looking to introduce some Demons to the business end of a double-barrel.
They Are Billions is a brilliant game that breaths fresh life into the RTS formula. Its setting, concept, and execution make it a wonderful addition to the genre. However, the console port with poor controls will most likely leave players frustrated and wishing they had picked it up on PC. As much as I loved the title I cannot recommend it for a console. So if you're interested in They are Billions I would strongly recommend taking a look at the PC version of this zombie survival RTS.
For those that have argued that videos games are not art, I would hold Sea of Solitude up as a shining example to the contrary. There is no easy way to summarize my experience with SOS, it was incredible, challenging, insightful and memorable. Instead, I leave you with the words of Henry Miller, an American author of the twentieth century, "One's destination is never a place but rather a new way of looking at things."