VBlank Entertainment's second GTA parody isn't the close-to-perfect sequel we expected, but it's still a decent game. Despite all of its numerous shortcomings, there's still some fun to be had when you're not toiling through menus, but it's hard not be disappointed when you consider VBlank's previous work; hopefully, like Retro City Rampage, we'll see a better DX version in the future. As it stands, Shakedown: Hawaii is full of potential, but it's overshadowed by monotony.
Duck Game is a standout multiplayer title on Switch. While it isn't going to be as extensive as its modifiable PC counterpart, it's a solid port to a fantastic portable. With split Joy-Con support, Duck Game is a perfect game to chuck on with a friend for a short game of animal cruelty. So put on a silly hat, pick up a chainsaw and slide at Mach speed towards your opponent.
If it wasn’t for Towers of Time’s reliance on grinding, Mortal Kombat 11 probably would have been my favourite fighter of the generation
This is the zombie co-op shooter of the generation.
Sekiro is a game that somehow exceeds the already lofty expectations set by Dark Souls and Bloodborne before it.
That’s pretty much the entire problem with Treasure Stack—it’s anemic. There’s certainly effort put into the game and it can be a little bit of fun from time to time. It’s definitely not a great game, though. And with so many different puzzle games available, including the almighty Tetris, there’s just not enough to make Treasure Stack worth a recommendation.
The Division 2 feels like a full package. It isn't always as polished as we've come to expect from a AAA experience, but then it does have the expected Ubisoftisms about it. It's buggy, but never intrusive. It has some questionable microtransactions, but they don't ever really affect you. It's repetitive and utterly meaningless, but it can be an incredibly satisfying experience.
For those looking for a hardcore hack-and-slash with inventive new weapons, amazing bosses, and fantastic characters this is the game you need. While it’s disappointing it took so long to get back here, DMC V is more than worth the wait.
Trials Rising still feels like an extension of Trials Evolution. It may not feel like the true big-budget sequel that many still crave for, but then Trials is an iterative series. Instead, Rising is more of the same just slightly more polished than what we’ve experienced before. It’s not going to break minds, it’s just a great motorsport puzzler.
Jump Force isn’t a game worth playing unless it meets two criteria: you’re really into all of its anime representations and you can find it quite cheap. At $60, Jump Force is a horrid interpretation of the anime industry’s signature publisher.
Metro Exodus may be bigger than previous Metro games, but it’s a larger shell that begs to be filled with something polished, interesting and unique.
Kingdom Hearts 3 is finally here, but it ever-so-slightly misses the mark. However, after all's said and done, after worlds have been explored, friends have been made, and keyblades have been wielded – I'm so, so glad it's here.
There are glimmers of hope that make Genesis Alpha One feel like something that has the potential to be great. With better AI, more variation in its roguelike elements and less of a reliance on the player doing every single thing, I can see a spark hidden deep inside this game.
Above everything else, Sunless Skies is a unique experience. It may be similar to its predecessor, Sunless Seas, but it is wholly a game of its own. It feels remarkably smooth to control and it reads like a more adult Pratchett novel albeit roided up to beefcake levels of literary strength.
Capcom has released the Game of the Year in the first month of 2019. If you only buy one game this year, make sure it’s this one. Screw Red Dead Redemption 2, move over The Witcher 3—Resident Evil 2 is, so far, the game of the generation.
Hitman HD Enhanced Collection is a messy bundle of fun. It houses two incredible games—one vastly more entertaining than the other—but it doesn’t feel like enough effort was put in to make them feel enhanced. Better lighting, framerate and resolution help during gameplay, but low-quality pre-rendered cutscenes make the experience feel rather rushed.
Ace Combat: Skies Unknown not only returns a classic series back to the heights of its predecessors but also reinvigorated its entire genre. There aren’t many games like this available on current generation systems and, if there were, Ace Combat would still shine above them all.
It’s a barebones, lonely experience. Unpolished, unsatisfactory and unfun barely scratch the surface of negative adjectives I could use to describe my time with the game. I want it to be good, but it is so, so bad. Avoid this like the plague.
Book of Demons is a beautiful papercraft Diablo-like that’s perfect for casual play. With a system that designs itself around the way you play, fans of isometric looters and click-based hack-and-slash should certainly look this up. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable dungeon crawler, one that I’m sure I’ll still be exploring well into the future.
Just Cause 4 is still a mental experience that’s as fun as it has ever been – it just doesn’t run like a slideshow this time. It’s the sort of game I believe everyone should own; you’ll always need that game you can put on to vent with unparalleled destruction and creativity. It’s brilliant and I adore this almost as much as I love Just Cause 2. Almost.