There is nothing quite like experiencing the catapult launch in EVE Valkyrie in VR. The game looks amazing, and the cross-play is seamless. The single player is a welcome addition, albeit a short one, and the new Carrier Assault mode shows commitment to expanding the game by developer CCP. Let’s hope they bring a steady stream of new modes, maps, and ship models to keep this gorgeous game fresh and alive.
RIGS is a fantastic foray into high-speed sports-like mechanized combat, and a great use of virtual reality as it realizes our giant robot fantasies. The long loading screens, canned animations and repetitious voice work aside, RIGS brings a lot to the table. From a fully-baked progression system, to gorgeous graphics and fast-paced and balanced play, it’s an exciting sports title. I just hope the nausea factor subsides quickly.
A brief but thrilling experience, Batman: Arkham VR taps into the desire to be a hero in all of us. The tactile manipulation of the environment is incredible, leaving me wanting more. If you ever put on a cape as a kid, you absolutely must try Batman: Arkham VR.
With quite a few twists on the traditional 4X formula, Sorcerer King: Rivals has a lot under the hood. The combat is a substantial improvement, offering a new way to engage the enemy, and the RPG elements expand gameplay even further. The editor is a cherry on top of an already full package. While it has a few balance issues in the endgame, Sorcerer King: Rivals shines brightly in a crowded genre.
Tempest is available for just $15 and it scratches an itch few other games do. It’s a capable, if somewhat buggy, pirate adventure that offers up challenging combat and an open world to explore. Customization and late-game challenges courtesy of legendary ships and mythical monsters help round out the title, making it worthwhile if a little frayed around the edges.
Neon Chrome makes good use of the cyberpunk setting, but remains light on story. While the grind is real, the game shows real promise in couch cooperative play. If twin-stick shooters are your thing, you could do much worse than Neon Chrome.
Forza Horizon 3 feels familiar with its already-polished gameplay, but the new setting, cars, and incredible customization options opens the throttle on an already-fantastic platform. The team has built on an already stable platform, bringing entirely new ways to play. I struggled to find a single thing I didn’t love about Forza Horizon 3, and that’s a fantastic problem to have.
While I applaud Blizzard’s effort to provide fans of the StarCraft 2 campaign a reason to jump back in, the large amount of time between each mission pack’s release is a massive buzzkill. The gameplay is a bit stale at this point, and this second mission pack is less adventurous than the first, but the cut scenes and soundtrack are still phenomenal and almost alone worth the price of entry. I recommend Nova Covert OPS DLC 2 to only the most ardent of fans, but otherwise urge you to wait until all three mission packs are available before deciding to jump back in.
I imagine the Internet will be abuzz with discussion on the "Mechanical Apartheid" issue, debating whether it was offensive, or if Eidos Montreal did enough to warrant the comparison, but aside from that, there is a very solid effort here. The new augments combined with better level design makes exploration more satisfying, and the little upgrades to hacking make that whole system more tense. While it's over a little too soon, if you enjoyed Human Revolution, there is a lot to like here.
Ghostbusters as a couch co-op game is a dream on paper. Unfortunately, the execution from FireForge Games is so lackluster and devoid of quality that publisher Activision should be ashamed in having released it. It’s a shameless tangential cash-in based entirely on the power of an already-maligned reboot that nobody asked for. I’ll go see the movie for the popcorn, but let’s leave this game in the Containment Unit. Light is green, trap is clean.
As authentic as it gets, LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens is 100% fan service. With new voice work from the cast, and the signature TT Games style, the only thing we can hope for in their next outing is a cleaner execution, and some new features to play with. The tried-and-true formula still works, but it's time to shake things up.
Uneven in tone and execution, Mighty No 9 is equal parts fun and frustration. Inafune won't reignite the fire of his famed franchise with this initial effort. We can only hope that subsequent attempts to reboot the blue bomber turn out better.
It's strange to be this excited about the singleplayer portion of game from id Software, but here we are. While multiplayer doesn't scratch the itch the way something like Quake Arena once did, the power of Snap Map puts the power to fix that entirely in the hands of intrepid and creative players. Doom has resurrected not only a series, but an entire flavor of shooters. Welcome back, unapologetic high-speed murder — we missed you.
There's no point in trying to sum up Final Fantasy X or X-2's storyline beyond saying that it is every bit as incredible as you remember, cringeworthy laughing sequences and all. The PC version brings accessibility and graphical upgrades, as well as the promises of unofficial mod-based improvements. If this is your first time with Final Fantasy X, I envy you — it's a powerful journey that you won't soon forget.
Not all remakes are successful, but Heavy Spectrum's new take on Shadow of the Beast is a triumph across the board. It has enough nostalgic throwback to draw in fans of the original, but plenty of updates for a new audience. I sincerely hope we can count on them and Sony to return to the lands of Karamoon for Shadow of the Beast II.
TASTEE scratches a tactical itch in a Dark Souls-difficult, but ultimately rewarding way. The asymmetric multiplayer is unique in the genre, offering a new way to play. If you are a fan of deep strategy, ignore the goofy name and check out TASTEE: Lethal Tactics.
Bravely Second: End Layer has a merely passable story, but the fantastic combat, new job classes, and updated mechanics make it an excellent installment to the series.
Ashes of the Singularity may be a technical triumph, but it also delivers an experience we’ve not seen in this genre for at least a decade. The single player may lack a bit of personality, but the skirmish mode and seven AI levels take RTS to the next level.
With oodles of charm, shockingly-addictive yet easily accessible gameplay, Letter Quest Remastered: Grimm's Journey is one of the best family-friendly puzzlers. It's G-R-E-A-T.
Remedy swung for the fences and hit a homerun with Quantum Break. With an engrossing story, an amazing cast, and the most beautiful visuals on the Xbox One we've ever seen, Quantum Break is a masterpiece.