Expert racing game developer Codemasters brings another solid title with F1 2019, albeit with a few caveats.
SNK's return to Samurai Shodown proves to be one of the best fighters this generation with unique gameplay and a gorgeous art style.
Cadence of Hyrule: Curse of the NecroDancer is the crossover I didn’t know I needed until I played it.
You better get ready to kill.
Get over here!
Everyone's favorite green dinosaur is back in Yoshi's Crafted World, bringing all of its good vibes to the Nintendo Switch.
Ubisoft's latest entry in its third-person shooter franchise The Division is a breath of fresh air in a world filled with flawed loot shooters.
Gaming's most funky duo are back from Funkotron in a nostalgia-fueled experience that doesn't appeal to anyone but its limited fan base.
Although God Eater 3 boasts some stellar gameplay mechanics that allow you to play how you'd like, the surrounding aspects keep it back from being otherwise a great game.
Conspiracies, depression, Soul Survivors, oh my!
Beat Saber has just about everything I want from a rhythm game. It is an experience that can only be done in virtual reality and it is done so well. It has a great tactile feel thanks to the rumble of the controllers and incredibly satisfying combo-driven gameplay. While the soundtrack is solid, there really aren’t that many tracks and said tracks lack stylistic variety. However, that hasn’t stopped me from playing hours of Beat Saber, even if I’m sweaty and my eyes are throbbing afterward.
Windjammers is a fun and fantastic multiplayer arcade game and the Nintendo Switch version takes advantage of that strength. The classic Neo Geo game passes that aforementioned 10-second rule while still giving the player more to learn after they know the basics. However, if I didn't have anyone to play with, I don't know if I would want to play at all. This is meant to be played with others, in the same room, playing on a couch screaming at the TV after a long and intense volley. If you know some people interested in that type of experience, purchasing Windjammers is a no-brainer.
Overall, Starlink: Battle for Atlas is a solid foundation if Ubisoft wants to make this into an ongoing franchise. Allowing you to play with or without the toys was a smart call, especially since if you're playing on the Switch and don't want to bring a bunch of toys with you. The world and characters they've created are intriguing enough for me to want to see more of it. If there was just a bit more variety, Starlink could be a fantastic franchise for both kids and adults alike.
This puts me in a weird spot. For better or worse, I really think WWE 2K19 really captures the current WWE product very well while also commending those who have made their way to the squared circle in years past. It presents some solid ideas that are really needed to make this series worthwhile. Unfortunately, like almost every iteration before this, those ideas are not executed well. This is primarily due to gameplay. While there are some great implementations like the payback and overcharge abilities, it is still the same ol' gameplay you know from the series. Yet again, if you are into the WWE, you may find some enjoyment. Anyone outside of the WWE universe may find it hard to hit the ropes on this one.
Playground Games have done it again. Forza Horizon 4 is another excellent entry that maintains the series' previous features and formula while still managing to bring in some new meaningful additions. If you own an Xbox One, there is no reason not to check it out.
FIFA 19 is another great entry in EA's long-running football series. With the addition of the Champions League and improved gameplay mechanics, it provides enough realism to its presentation while still being fun to play. The Journey: Champions and FUT may not be considerable deviations from last year but it still gives players more to do; it also helps that both of these modes are This iteration isn't one that completely changes the game, instead makes a few adjustments to make the most enjoyable FIFA yet.
In the end, any progress made, whether it's leveling up my player or regaining control of my court, just feels aimless. If I'm simply being rewarded with cosmetic options, I don't see the point of furthering my character's career. If my Icon path is linear, why make me go to a menu to activate those perks? Why play the mid-range game if driving straight to the hoop while getting double teamed will still grant me the 2 points I need? It's questionable decisions like this that sets NBA Live 19 just below the bar of greatness.
Just as deep as its creation tools is its gameplay, allowing you to create a moveset that fits your playstyle. It is unfortunate that Fighting Road isn't as great as it could have been but it does give you the option to play a narrative-driven experience that, at the very least, will provide you with a few laughs. For anyone who has the patience, Fire Pro Wrestling World is a game that will appease any pro wrestling fan.
The Messenger is not just a brilliant love letter to the 8-bit and 16-bit games that inspired it. It's proof that even in a market saturated with retro-style platformers, there are still clever ways to approach the genre. It is one of the most well-designed games I have ever played on both a gameplay and storytelling level. Sabotage really created something special here and I can't wait to see what they come up with next.
So far, World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth is a solid addition to the long-running MMORPG. Currently, I am trying to increase my item level so I can be ready for the raid in a few weeks. The grind to do that is a long one, requiring a lot of time that not a lot of people have. It is the one crux of this game. When you start World of Warcraft, you have to stay committed. If you're serious about playing and want to enter the raid on the first day of release, missing just one day is a loss of progress. However, if you do commit and you have a group of people to play with, as it is right now, Battle for Azeroth has plenty of content for you to enjoy with a lot more to come.