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.
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.
Burnout Paradise Remastered is a breath of fresh air for the racing genre. It takes the realistic aspects of racing and throws them out the window with fast and furious driving that feels great. The sense of speed achieved as you zip through the streets of Paradise City listening to Soundgarden's ‘Rusty Cage' is truly astounding. It's both frantic and fun. There are some frustrating moments and the visual upgrade isn't as big of a leap as I would like, but there is still a lot to enjoy. After finishing a few events, you'll wonder why the franchise has been gone for so long.
Get over here!
SNK's return to Samurai Shodown proves to be one of the best fighters this generation with unique gameplay and a gorgeous art style.
Arc System Works proves to be the best fighting game developer with Granblue Fantasy Versus.
Codemasters brings one of the best and most accessible racing games this generation with F1 2020.
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.
Mothergunship has its problems. The repetitive environments and enemy types, long load times, and forgettable dialogue are its most unlikeable attributes. Luckily, its diverse gameplay, fun and frenetic shooting, and deep gun crafting make Grip Digital's latest enjoyable and replayable. Mothergunship is worth seeing through once but I'm sure you'll want to tackle the campaign at least one more time.
Improving upon the changes made in last year's iteration, NHL 20 is the best the series has been this console generation.
There is trouble with the tree.
Skater XL has successfully brought back the skateboarding genre, and I am eager to see how Easy Day Studios supports the game moving forward.
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.
If you have a few friends looking for a fun game to play, Nidhogg 2 is the perfect choice. If you're looking to jump online, I would advise against it.
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.
Since finishing Lost Sphear, I can't stop thinking about it. The game does not break the mold by any means — in fact, it attempts to fit the mold of the 90s JRPG — but it does excel in certain facets. While aspects of its gameplay do falter, I never felt discouraged from pressing forward and uncovering the mystery behind the lost phenomenon. Lost Sphear is a beautiful game that even the newest JRPG player can enjoy.
Mario Tennis Aces may have you bashing your head against the wall but Nintendo brings another great game to the Switch. Adventure Mode is a bit underwhelming; despite its infuriating difficulty spike, the story can be completed in just a few hours. Adventure Mode and COM Tournament mode are great precursors to the real highlight, the online tournaments. Going in, I did not think I'd be getting this incredibly enjoyable hyper-competitive experience. Playing people online is addicting giving you that “one more match” mentality that will keep you playing for hours. Mario Tennis Aces is the tennis game we've been waiting for.
Bithell Games has created another great, focused experience once again with Quarantine Circular. It tells a fantastic and straightforward sci-fi story that keeps you intrigued throughout the couple of hours it takes to complete. The complexities of this tale come from the decisions you'll make, questioning your beliefs after every line of dialogue. There are a few issues like the disconnect between the player and the characters or the omission of any challenge, but the story and the way it is told is done exceptionally well. Quarantine Circular is worth every minute of your time.
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.
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.