Shadows: Awakening presents a few interesting ideas and a surprisingly large, diverse world. Unfortunately, the game's ambitious vision is undermined by a host of basic storytelling, combat, and technical issues. Those desperate for some fresh hack ‘n' slash fun will find things to like about Shadows: Awakening, but the game is easily eclipsed by Diablo and any number of other, better, action-RPGs.
The Low Road is one of the better point ‘n' click throwbacks I've played in a while. Sure, the game has a few rough edges, but its unique world, likable characters, engaging story, and varied puzzles ought to get fans of retro adventure games properly revved up
Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire "Beast of Winter" gives fans more of a good thing, and presents a handful of interesting ideas and story beats. That said, anybody expecting this Pillars of Eternity II expansion to be anywhere near as vast, vibrant, and varied as the core game are likely to be left cold.
The debut episode of The Walking Dead: The Final Season is one of Telltale Games' best efforts in quite some time. It builds its cast of likeable new characters with uncommon skill, lets you feel a glimmer of hope, and then tears it all down in devastating fashion. I'm afraid of what might come next for Clementine and AJ, but I can't look away…The Final Season has already sunk its teeth into me.
Overcooked 2 mostly sticks to a winning recipe. The clarity and simplicity of the first game has been muddled a bit – some of the new recipes and kitchens are a touch too complex for their own good – but the addition of online play makes up for a lot. If you're new to this series, I suggest you check out the near-perfect original Overcooked to start, but if you're an existing fan hungry for more, Overcooked 2 is a tasty second helping.
The Banner Saga 3 wraps up its six-years-in-the-making epic in poignant, gripping style. The game's tactical battles still have some issues, but their rough edges have been sanded down to the point they no longer detract from the game's stellar writing. The Banner Saga 3 deserves to be held high as a prime example of both video game storytelling and a crowdfunded project done right.
Sonic Mania Plus is an essential upgrade if you already own and enjoy the original version of the game. Newcomers should also give this updated offering a look, as it captures what made classic Sonic uniquely appealing, while fixing some of the base game's shortcomings. Sonic Mania Plus still has a few lingering issues, but, overall, this heartfelt hedgehog homage has been honed to the next level.
Jurassic World Evolution is lavishly produced and sporadically engaging, but it fails to infuse the park simulation genre with much big-screen excitement. If cloning cool-looking dinosaurs and dealing with a few light management elements is enough for you, Jurassic World Evolution should satisfy, but if you're looking for a deeper level of strategy or true dino chaos, you'll likely be disappointed. I'd recommend most Jurassic Park fans wait until this one, uh, finds a way to the bargain bin.
Onrush is a smart, modern rethink of 2000s era arcade driving games, which deftly combines over-the-top, blazing-fast action with elements of popular team-based shooters like Overwatch. No, Onrush isn't a traditional racing game, and it may take a little getting used to, but those willing to give something new a chance are in for a raucous ride.
The makers of Omensight probably wish they had an infinite time loop of their own. Painfully repetitive and lacking in polish, this game clearly needed a bit longer in the oven. Forgiving Majora's Mask fans may find Omensight's story and action enjoyable enough, but many who buy the game will want to turn the clock back on their weekend.
Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire is an exceptional roleplaying experience that truly lets you forge your own path in a rich, multilayered, grog-soaked world. Occasionally the game is just a touch too retro for its own good, but, for the most part, Pillars of Eternity II proves Obsidian has set the right course. It's clear sailing ahead for the classic computer RPG.
Murderous Pursuits is an entertaining, inventive, and accessible online multiplayer experience hobbled by its technical issues, stingy amount of content, and lack of polish. The game's developers are promising to brush up and expand the game over the coming months, but will it ever reach its full potential? Only time will tell. There's fun to be had at this murder party, but you're probably best showing up fashionably late.
If you're going to clone a unique, yet flawed game like The Banner Saga, it's crucial that you significantly improve the experience in some way. Ash of Gods: Redemption doesn't, replicating its inspiration's problems, but not its singular vision. Ironically, folks who have never played The Banner Saga will get the most out of this glorified fangame – those who have will likely find Ash of Gods a gray, lifeless imitation.
Extinction presents a handful of decent ideas, but they're executed with all the precision and grace of Godzilla stomping through Tokyo. Buying this sloppy, ugly, derivative, repetitive, technically inept, and unfairly difficult monstrosity is guaranteed to leave your weekend in ruins.
Battlestar Galactica Deadlock is a competent, if somewhat unbalanced and painfully slow, tactical space combat sim. Unfortunately, it's not much of a Battlestar Galactica adaptation, as it totally lacks the series' personality, immediacy, and heart. Those obsessed with the nitty-gritty of BSG's space battles may want to give Deadlock a shot, but most fans will probably want to give this unrefined nugget a pass.
A Way Out is an impressive achievement that definitively proves creativity matters more than bloated budgets and big-name franchises. A technically accomplished, endlessly inventive co-op masterpiece, A Way Out will surprise and excite you from beginning to end. This one deserves to be a breakout hit.
Burnout Paradise Remastered is like a finely-tuned vintage car – sure, it's quirky and a bit archaic, but those concerns melt away once you get behind the wheel and rev that engine. Blasting around Paradise City is exciting, rewarding, and a great low-stress tonic for when modern game design gets you down. Oh, you'll be pleased to take this one home.
Fear Effect Sedna is proof creativity can't always overcome poor execution. The game is often quite enjoyable, but the inspired moments can be difficult to appreciate amidst Sedna's mishandled nostalgia, ill-considered mechanics, and sometimes-wonky level design. Those willing to ride out the rough patches (or just hungry from some early-2000s cheese) may want to give the game a try, but I'm afraid I don't see this being the Fear Effect franchise's big comeback.
Past Cure is a bizarre experience. It feels like a half-dozen different games crudely stapled together, most of which are bad. Yes, the game is ambitious, it reaches for the triple-A brass ring, but the end product is unfocused, unpolished, and, for long stretches, exceptionally boring. Past Cure? More like Past Bedtime.
Conventional wisdom would say the new Secret of Mana isn't a great remake. It doubles down on the stuff that already works while leaving the original game's most glaring flaws mostly untouched. That said, I still enjoyed this new package. Secret of Mana was always about charm and personality over polish. Yes, the game remains a bit of a mess, but that special spark at its core burns brighter than ever. If you loved the original game, or are just in the mood for something light and quirky, this remake strikes true.