David Silbert's Reviews
50 games; 25 bucks. UFO 50 is the best value in gaming since The Orange Box, and though other games have it beat in terms of depth, far fewer can lay claim to its charms. If ‘80s gaming is your jam, this is a no-brainer. And if it’s not… give it a try anyway, if only to appreciate how far this wonderful pastime has come.
I’m surprised a mobile game can be this good, without reaching for the wallet. I have concerns about the battle pass, but those can wait for another day. Marvel Snap is out now, and the reality is, it’s stellar. Play it on iOS or Android, or try an early access version for PC via Steam (widescreen support is coming soon). Thanos might be bad, but this snap is damn good.
Split Fiction is another great addition to the Hazelight catalog—one that solidifies the studio as the paragon of co-op gameplay. If you thought It Takes Two was a fluke, think again. Split Fiction learns from its predecessor’s story missteps, doubles down on the great platforming, and deftly pays homage to gaming royalty. The result is Hazelight’s most creative game to date, and—in my humble opinion—its best.
What else I can say about Smushi Come Home without spoiling its finer moments? Its characters are charming, its gameplay is soothing, and it has a great sense of style. (Just listen to that feel-good soundtrack from composer Failpositive.) And while the experience is a bit on the short side, it’s one that hardly feels undercooked. If you’re looking for a breather between AAA epics or simply searching for a wonderful indie, Smushi Come Home has enough charm to make you blush. Come for the adorable mushroom; stay for the tender narrative and cozy vibes. This is one homecoming you don’t want to miss.
SEASON: A Letter to the Future is an unforgettable story about the power of memories—how joyful it can be to make them, and how painful it can be to lose them. It has rough edges. The story asks more than it answers, and the game feels too short for a journey of its magnitude, but these flaws only confirm what I already believe—that I wish there was more of this brilliant game. Whether you’re a lover of adventure games or simply looking to lose yourself on a mystical journey, SEASON has plenty it’s willing to show you.
Zelda, Mega Man, and Metroid are just a few names to which Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo pays homage. And while living up to those greats is grueling work, somehow, Pipistrello makes it look easy. It’s wonderfully designed, perfectly paced, and filled with secrets and side attractions that are well worth its lengthy runtime.
In spite of its faults, Life is Strange: Before the Storm is a fantastic follow-up to an already great game. It improves upon the formula of the original title while offering a fascinating look into two of the series' most captivating characters. Beautiful, charming, and devastating, Before the Storm is a must-play for fans of the series and a phenomenal way to tide players over until the release of Life is Strange 2.
Despite some story misgivings, Episode INTERmission makes for an exceptional piece of DLC. It adds thrilling combat, a fun new character in Sonon, and Final Fantasy VII Remake’s best mini-game to date. It also includes a few bonus scenes that—without giving anything away—fans of the base game will want to watch. At $20, Episode INTERmission isn’t the cheapest proposition, but it’s certainly a worthwhile one. If you’re lucky enough to have a PlayStation 5, do yourself a favor and give it a go. Yuffie fans, rejoice!
As an experience, The Gardens Between is a journey that's well worth embarking on. Its puzzles are gratifying, and its world is gorgeous and filled with personality. Its price may be too step for those looking for a meatier experience, and veteran fans of the genre might wish for tougher puzzles, but those hankering for a small game with a big heart will find plenty to love in The Gardens Between.
Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights caught me by complete surprise. 2021 has been a quiet year so far, yet it’s easy for smaller games like this to fall through the cracks. And that’d be a shame. If you’re starving for more info on Metroid Dread and Hollow Knight: Silksong, no need to go hungry. Ender Lilies is far more than an appetizer; it’s a whole meal, and one of the best Metroidvanias in recent memory. Don’t miss it.
The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit is an easy recommendation for Life is Strange fans as well as for those who have never touched the series before. Clocking in at 90 minutes, the episode can easily be completed in a single sitting; the episode's characters, on the other hand, will stay with you long after you put down the controller. If you have a free afternoon and some space on your hard drive, you have no excuse: Give Captain Spirit a whirl. It's free.
While it has some story pains, make no mistake: It Takes Two is a fantastic game and a welcome 2021 surprise. Grab a friend or loved one; find a co-worker or bridge buddy. Regardless of who you pair up with, this is one adventure you'll want to share together.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is absolutely worth playing. It’s a rare game that exceeds despite several key issues, and the more I reflect on its narrative and core themes, the more impressed I find myself. Beware spoilers, and go in with zero expectations. Jedi: Survivor will win over your heart, just like it did mine.
Dead Letter Dept. definitely shows some cracks. Visuals can get muddy, some of the lighting choices don't work, and, in more intense moments, it can be very easy to get lost. But in looking past the small hiccups, you can find a simple but evocative game with a lot of variety. While we weren’t always certain what choices determined what endings, we ended our time excited to dive back in. This is a labor of love from someone willing to escape the doldrums of corporate number-punching.
Despite some minor performance issues and the occasional on-the-nose writing, Layers of Fear: Legacy is a fantastic horror experience for Switch owners. You get two great stories, both accessible right from the menu screen — I highly recommend you play the main story before Inheritance, though — that offer gripping tales and shocking scares. Better yet, both are playable in portable mode, ensuring that the courageous and unafraid can get their fill of terror before bed. It may not be P.T. in name, but for those seeking that same level of atmosphere and hallway-twisting tension, Legacy fits the bill.
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective will keep you entertained with its characters and puzzles, but falls short of being a timeless mystery.
Neurovoider is an exciting addition to the Switch library of eShop titles. Just under $14 will buy a game with surprising levels of depth and player choice. Even those apprehensive at the thought of playing a roguelike, either due to its difficulty or its unpredictability, should find plenty to like with Neurovoider. At the very least, it provides several hours of entertaining play, either solo or with friends. At best, it might prove to be your next gaming addiction.
Chess Ultra is a great chess game and a welcome addition to the Switch's digital library of titles. Its in-depth tutorial offers a useful starting point for those new to the sport, while challenges, AI difficulties, and customizable matches ensure that established players have the tools needed to improve their game in a variety of formats. While the lack of a real-time filter for matchmaking is a bummer, Chess Ultra more than justifies its budget price tag of $12.50. Whether you are a grandmaster or a complete novice, Chess Ultra is a worthy entry into the world of virtual chess.
Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology is a game that's bursting at the seams with interesting ideas. Its story is gripping thanks to a diverse cast of nuanced characters, while its time-traveling structure and grid-based combat provide a challenging mix of planning and puzzle-solving for those familiar with RPGs. At the same time, however, its frustrating backtracking and slow-as-molasses pacing drag the experience to a disappointing halt at times. Despite its issues, Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology is a strong addition to the 3DS and a fitting swan song for a handheld that's beginning its descent into the annals of gaming history.
LEGO DC Super-Villains offers a lot of great things to like, despite my small quibbles. The title makes up for redundant core gameplay with its sheer variety of playable characters, robust character creation suite, and abundance of side content to complete. Meanwhile, its relatively by-the-books story is bolstered by phenomenal voice acting and classic LEGO charm. It may not be the mature, gritty super-villains game that many would like, but LEGO DC Super-Villains is still worth your time and money.