Yakuza: Like a Dragon reminded me why I loved video games to begin with. I cannot think of a game this year that has gripped me this tightly and didn't let go. Here comes a game brimming with joy and excitement that is earnest with its drama and comedy. It's the sort of game you can gush about for hours, and I will long after this review is published. Anyone who loves RPGs, open world games, comedies, crime dramas, and games PERIOD should have a lot of fun with the newest Yakuza.
YOU CAN FIGHT TIGERS IN THIS GAME?!
Thanks to its tough-but-fair challenge, Playtonic has made a very rewarding game.
Inertial Drift is an espresso shot full of arcade-y goodness. Its approach to drifting isn't just intuitive, but it encapsulates that Initial D fantasy wonderfully. It might be shorter than other games coming out, but that time spent is enthralling and well worth it. If you love arcade racing, you can't go wrong with Inertial Drift's "easy to pick up and tricky to master" style.
This isn't just a game made with love, it's a refined game of love. I don't always look on the bright side of games, but it's been awhile since a game made me this happy. It's not perfect, but there's a lot to enjoy. Thanks to the mix of Strategy, Town Building, and CYOA elements, you won't need to worry about the game losing steam. I will definitely play more of this after I write this review.
Having a lovely time at the hostess club with Majima crossdressing, fishnets and all, before he started a fight.
There's a lot to love with The Occupation. It's got humanity, tension, and plenty of little touches that make finding that extra bit of information exciting without the usual violence you've come to expect from stealth games. However, its focus on no manual saving and real-time gameplay will be a dealbreaker. It's not for everyone, but anyone craving consequence and narrative in their stealth game will find a challenge worth facing.
The remastering of Sam & Max Saves the World is a delightful return to the comedic antics of our crime fighting duo. Some jokes might not land and a lot of puzzles can feel too easy, but the duo's wit has staying power. Add that with some catchy new tracks and a remastering that makes the game more stylish than less, and you have a proper return to form. If you never had a chance to play Sam and Max Save the World, this is the best way to experience one of Telltale's first games.
Can the Phoenix be resurrected?
Greedfall, even with its flaws, is a game that’s very easy to sink time into without regret.
This isn’t a game for everyone, but anyone who loves these sort of exploration games should give it a try.
Yes, Your Grace is a fascinating game with heart. Its short length might turn away some players, but it will be perfect for anyone who loves regret filled choices or was burned badly by the Game of Thrones finale last year. If you like your games with emotional variety and anxiety, you'll enjoy your brief time with Yes, Your Grace.
Resident Evil 3's remake might not be as surprising as REmake 2, but it is still a fun ride.
Circle Empires: Rivals has something for everyone. For beginners is a straightforward approach to the RTS that's full of options. For experts is a faster RTS that streamlines the process. While personal biases might prevent me from enjoying it as much as other genres, there's plenty to love if you wanted Circle Empires's unique charms with friends.
What's a Western Without Revenge?
I was unexpectedly charmed by Skully. With some excellent controls and a story told earnestly, I was gripped throughout its entire run. Sure, its shorter time might turn off some and its collectables aren't that worthwhile, but it more than makes up for that. It doesn't waste time and it makes for a pleasant romp. Suffice to say, I'm curious to see what Finish Line Games makes next.
Even if RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 hasn't aged as gracefully as its predecessors, there's plenty of fun to be had. If you still have the original and can run it fine, you don't need to buy it again. But if you're someone who never got to play it, can't run Planet Coaster, and miss the old school approach to the Tycoon genre, the Complete Edition is a neat relic to a bygone era of gaming. Just be prepared for some outdated features and a shockingly small UI.
Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin is definitely an interesting title, mixing the mundanities of rice planting with 2D hacking and slashing. While an acquired taste, those who like their games unique should have a fun time with Sakuna. If you can forgive an unlikeable protagonist and some repetitive gameplay at times, Sakuna is a solid title that shines even with its flaws.
You Put Tony Hawk in my Rocket League!
If you love the atmosphere of Eastern European survival games but hate the jank, Chernobylite is for you. Its cycle of scavenging and questing is addicting, and its characters are fun to meet. But that also means it becomes too easy once you get a feel for the controls and mechanics. Add that with a story that isn't scary, and you have a flawed game with an engaging core. It held my attention during its full runtime, and I can't say that for a lot of games.