Golf Story is a good enough golf game in it's own right, but combine that with a great script and RPG mechanics and it's packing more than enough to stand out from the crowd.
High Hell is, above all else, a confident game. There isn't anything standing in the way of blasting baddies off rooftops and crashing breakneck through every door in sight, all in acid-soaked neon pink style.
For those willing to master its systems, Vagante is a game that will delight in its intricacy and depth. Some may be put off by the awkward combat and sinister traps, but I'm confident that the already strong community will grow in time, sharing tips and suffering together for the foreseeable future.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate does well to live up to its name, at least where offline content is concerned. It's with the backward, early-2000's era online experience that I take issue. The inability to easily match up with friends, or even those with similar rule preferences, severely hinders an otherwise fantastic fighting game.
Mothergunship is a marvelous blend of roguelite randomness and self-serve zaniness, with a short but sweet campaign to kick it all off. All this presented with some of the best production values I've seen from a small-studio game. If you like what you see, you can rest assured that Mothergunship delivers.
Through an embrace of more traditional game design, Ashen's take on the Souls formula ends up feeling welcome, even after countless imitators. A solid quest structure and top-notch world design make this beautiful low-fi title a worthy homage to a quickly aging series.
Ape Out delivers a deliciously impactful take on the frenetic twin-stick formula. It uses the closeness of its melee encounters and excellent sound design to create an atmosphere of pure, unstoppable tempo. Its style is undeniable, and the craft on display is well worth the short time it takes to play through each of the game's four acts.
Assault Android Cactus+ is the baked potato of twin-stick shooters. A perfectly cooked center, loaded with all the extra goods, and a dollop of charm for good measure. It's a perfect fit on Switch with its drop-in multiplayer and bite-sized levels, especially for those with score-chasing in mind.
Despite its humor, Duck Game is far from a joke of a game. Tightly designed and easy to jump into, it's a sure pick for anyone looking to entertain some company.
Gato Roboto is a refreshingly simple take on the Metroidvania formula. It's not going to impress everyone, but if you're just looking for solid side-scrolling action and a pretty cute cat, it won't disappoint.
The Star Wars spirit is strong with Fallen Order, and it came as close to making me feel the way I did when watching the original trilogy for the first time. However, unlike those movies, this one could use some post-release touch-ups.
SnowRunner is the stay-inside game we need right now. Slow, rewarding, and providing just enough resistance to keep the player sharp, it's a singularly zen experience that's made for a particular kind of person -- even those who avoid more genre-standard titles.
A reinvention of a childhood favorite of mine, The Powder Toy, Noita amazes with its pixel-perfect simulation of physics, chemistry, and magic.
Giving the formula a polish rivaled only by Agent 47's supernaturally perfect cranium is the best way for the Hitman trilogy to go out. New additions, great levels, and engine fine-tuning make the final entry every bit as good as the rest.
Nier Replicant is a chameleon -- its slow start serves as a siren song that leads to explosive emotional crescendos and satisfying narrative payoffs.
Deathloop, summarized, is "Arkane does Hitman." It glorifies its repetition, and never feels unrewarding, especially when taking down a player-controlled Juliana. I want to re-immerse myself in its world, pick apart its secrets, and master its systems. Not everything works seamlessly, but taken as a whole it's an immersive sim sandbox of unmatched proportions.
As with any MMO, Lost Ark is tricky to review on release. The most I can say is I enjoyed the mindless questing, beautiful locales, and great game feel. I can't speak on the endgame, but the fact that I'm excited to jump back in on launch day to do it all again with friends is a pretty good sign for now.
Neon White is going to make more than a few people realize they're speedrunners at heart. Its brand of competition with the self is enthralling, and it's lifted to greater heights by its presentation, music, and mechanics.
Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak is a great companion to even out the base game's experience. It never reaches the mountain highs of Iceborne, but jumping in for just a few hunts or basking in the grind has never been smoother.
Cult of the Lamb is a Satanic blend of a few genre greats -- the loop of action and settlement management is fueled perpetually by satisfying combat and rewarding unlocks. And it's all adorned with fantastic art direction and music.