For decades Capcom has been at the forefront of making compelling and high-quality 2D fighters. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that despite how polished the game feels, with its newly revamped audio tracks, revitalized roster and extemporaneous movement abilities, that I still long for the days where the X-Men filled the ranks of playable characters. While that is a hot button point of contention with the game and its fans, Marvel Versus Capcom: Infinite is by far and large the highest quality and, not to mention, most fun 2D fighting game to come out in years.
There is no PvE or Bots that take the place of players, so if you can’t find others to play with, this has the potential to be a very lonely game. Luckily, Atomega is priced well enough that even the casual arena fan could find a lot to like here, for as long as the game stays populated. If you find yourself looking for a great stand-in while waiting for your next big arena game, Atomega could be the game you’re looking for, just don’t expect it to evolve into more than that.
All in all, I didn’t like Cuphead in the slightest. I fell in love with it. The charm and care they put into this game brings back a nostalgia I haven’t felt in many years. Not nostalgia for the 1930s, as I wasn’t born yet, and I’m not quite that old to have watched American Golden Age Cartoons, but nostalgia for the challenging feel-good types of games I played as a younger self. While the stark challenge might not be everyone’s cup of tea, and 1930s cartoony art styles might not appeal to today’s anime crowds, what StudioMDHR has created is nothing short of a masterpiece. If there was ever a game to take a chance on, this would be it. Leave your silverware at the door and pick up a cup, you won’t be disappointed.
There is a lot to like about Hyper Universe barring that you're a MOBA fan and aren't averse to rehashing the same arena content as one does in competitive multiplayer games. With a little practice and a lot of experimentation, battles can become frenzied and rewarding as you best your opponents and pile them underfoot. With more to inevitably come with Hyper Universe and no entry fee to get started, you have nothing to lose in trying out Hyper Universe for yourself. Good luck out there hero, you're going to need it.Final Score: 7.7
For the right kind of MMO player, Wild Terra Online offers an old-school experience with a heavy crafting focus. If that sounds like something that appeals to you, Wild Terra is available on Steam right now.
Bandai-Namco hasn't deviated from their formula of arena fighters that follow strict, already told storylines, with simplistic gameplay mechanics that are hidden under flashy animations and combo counters. While there is much to love about the character designs and reliving some vital moments from the anime series fans have come to love, there just isn't that much substance to hold players captivated for any extended period of time. The animations are impressive, the sound and feel of the menus and characters rings true. Unfortunately there just isn't enough unique content that will entrance players to continue playing after the novelty has worn off.
From start to finish, Giana Sisters Twisted Dreams Owltimate Edition doesn't pull any punches in the difficulty department regardless of whether you want to take it easy on Normal mode, or if you hop directly into the Hard Mode and challenge yourself. The new modes and differing platformer puzzles will keep players entertained, and for those that really want a challenge, Uber Hardcore mode will have players pulling their hair out. The levels are fairly repetitive, and at times, minor missteps utilizing the Switches analog stick did keep me from testing the real excruciating levels. The story aspects aren't explained very well, which may turn some players off as they question what the purpose of each level and boss is. Giana Sisters Twisted Dreams is predominantly a side scrolling platformer fans dream in and of itself, so despite some very shallow shortcomings, it has a lot to offer.
While the game is random, and there are characters, abilities and weapon attachments to unlock, the repetitiveness of the gameplay will eventually wear out its welcome. Fortunately for Hypergun, the challenges presented are more than enough to keep players entertained for dozens of hours.
With a light hearted presentation for children of all ages, well rendered graphics on both the PC and Switch versions, and a few rockin' audio tracks that don't get bothersome after repeatedly hearing them,
Varenje does resemble a game that can be easily enjoyed by anyone, and with the first episode being free on steam, it sure accentuates the ability for anyone to pick it up and play it. With light puzzle content and a collection click-adventure game style, it doesn't require fast reaction times or exceptional dexterity from the player. While the story is largely uncomplimentary to the game-style, for appropriately aged gamers, Varenje can still be an enjoyable diversion for the puzzle minded gamer.
Merge Games and Teku Studios has created some kind of masterpiece here, both visually and enigmatically. Their use of tribal storytelling is charming and the elements that put together the puzzles are well thought out. I wouldn't necessarily call this an amateurs puzzle game meant for children, as there are many components that require abstract thinking to progress, but for the experienced puzzler, there is a lot to love in Candle: The Power of the Flame.
Insomniac has created a living, breathing Spiderverse that both fans and newcomers alike can appreciate. The fluidity of combat and world traversal makes it hands down the best Super Hero game in years, but it isn't without some pitfalls. The main story itself is generally believed to take about 20 hours to complete, but for players that focus primarily on the main story, it could take less. Side missions will keep players busy, but without additional content, dedicated players may find they have run out of content well before the DLC hits in October. Despite the low hours for story completion, Insomniac has created the must have hero game this year.
Battle Chef Brigade is a mash up of two addicting game types slathered in an Anime sauce and served up hot and spicy with several different game modes to keep players salivating for more. The hunting beat'em up portion of the game is responsive and requires timing and coordination while the cooking segment requires time management and nimble matching capabilities. While some early matches can feel repetitive, and despite the many different modes to play, the lasting appeal may be somewhat suspect, Battle Chef Brigade Deluxe has done an amazing job at making the mixture of sidescrolling action and match 3 puzzles more than palatable, but simply scrumptious.
Mushroom Wars 2 is definitely an excellent title for the RTS fan, even if you don't find mushrooms particularly appealing. The character designs are pleasing, the various multiplayer options are enjoyable, and the difficulty settings will keep you coming back for more. My main gripes here, are primarily due to the control scheme, which I feel could have been better utilized on the switch that is built with touchscreen controls. While the controller is necessary to play the switch in docked mode, Mushroom Wars 2 screams to be played in a mobile environment and having the option to have a more touch-focused control scheme, at least for a single player, would have been ideal.
Whether you are just curious or just want to step into a new adventure, Bless Online is a fantastic game-bridge between your last MMO and the next one you are looking forward to.
For players that have no other ARPGs to play, there is something to be had here, a solid time-sink, but don’t expect Warlords: Awakening to do much more than put you to sleep.
Wandersong is a charming, heart-filled musical-adventure. For fans of the puzzle-adventure genre, there is a lot to be had here but where Wandersong really shines, lies in its spirited, charismatic characters and unique story line. Wandersong isn't afraid to make fun of the usual heroic tropes found in many games on the market, but still finds a way to make the player stay connected to what is going on. Come for the adventure, but stay for a song.
Monster Energy Supercross 2 is quite possibly the best Supercross game that's out right now. The stellar, true to feel motorcycle racing, and hard charging soundtrack keeps the adrenaline high. Some problems existed with sound anomalies and seemingly inconsistent landing dynamics, but the solid game play and career mode will keep players coming back. Multiplayer modes are very simplistic, but custom games and creating your own track will add additional replay ability for major Supercross fans.
For gamers looking for their next ARPG experience, you would be remiss if you passed this one by. Warhammer: Chaosbane is available June 4th on PC, Playstation 4 and Xbox One.
Darkwood for the Nintendo Switch will certainly scratch the itch of a survival focused gamer. This takes the premise of games like Don't Starve, then takes itself much more seriously and makes it somewhat spookier. The harshness won't appeal to everyone, and the horror themes wear thin before too long, but for the right survivalist, or glutton for punishment, this may be exactly what you were looking for.