Right now you can pick up the “final” version of AirportSim, but I’m actually reminded of games like Icarus. If you look at Icarus at launch versus today, it’s an entirely different game. Each week (a cadence MS Games is aiming to match) we got an update for Icarus, all focused on features and bug fixes that were requested by the community. AirportSim could use that same approach to help apply some polish to transform the game into a simulator that keeps you coming back over and over. That said, at current state it’s still very much Early Access, no matter what the version says. We’ll see if the weeks ahead can unload some of this baggage.
With four playable factions, excellent writing, and a compelling setting, Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin delivers a solid RTS, albeit one that takes little risk. A handful of bugs and design choices may hamper the fun, but it hits stride when it lets you be powerful and unrestrained.
While the UI takes a huge step backwards, new ways to play are a step forward, making Just Sing 2024 is a marked improvement over both predecessors.
A showcase of what's possible in VR, Assassin's Creed Nexus VR delivers a completely unique foray into the world of Templars and Assassins, but in a first person perspective, and frankly, there's nothing quite like it. While the Quest 3 isn't up to the task, making for some wobbly frame rates, the game is thankfully a nausea-free experience you'll want to experience.
Red Matter 2 builds on the solid foundation established by its predecessor, giving us even better visuals, more interactivity, and all new devious puzzles to solve. It's a true showcase of Sony's PSVR2 platform, and a fantastic sequel to boot!
Moving to Frostbite makes UFC 5 look better than ever in the ring. The new ground game system is a welcome addition, but some odd bugs and occasional presentation problems make UFC 5 a win, but by split decision.
Suffice it to say I’m excited for this game, and so much of me wants to recommend every bit of it. Right now, the performance issues make that very, very hard. I’m not sure why Colossal and Paradox didn’t delay all of it until 2024 instead of just consoles, but here we are. Much like other games that launched in a rough state, I’m certain that Cities: Skylines II will eventually be something to behold. For now, however, there’s a bit of buyer beware.
Excellent presentation, impressive volumetric technology, head-scratchingly fun puzzles, and a tight storyline come together with engaging VR interactivity to resurrect and reimagine a beloved murder mystery. This game is a must-have for anyone who loves a well-crafted puzzle game.
Red Matter showcases what happens when you make VR interactivity the star, and lean into giving the player as much control as possible. The interactivity, immersion, and presentation are top shelf, and the atmosphere is one you shouldn't miss.
A nuanced and excellent sword fighting game with far more depth than you might see on the surface, Broken Edge delivers martial arts combat, albeit with an almost exclusive online focus.
With up to three friends, the randomized dungeons, progression, and physics-based combat creates a compelling and fun virtual dungeon delving time.
Ultimately, what Project Wingman lacks in VR visuals or realism, it makes up for its unwavering devotion to gameplay.
With gorgeous new vistas, fresh new technologies to build, and over two dozen new missions, this expansion pack delivers the alien world we've long been asking for.
Bethesda Game Studios has reached new heights in Starfield. A thrilling narrative, loaded with an entire universe to explore and backed by sublimely polished systems, has ushered in the ultimate Bethesda experience. It's truly hard to summarize just what makes Starfield special, and that's because so much of it is. You'll be glued to your screen for hours, going where no explorer has gone before.
White-knuckle brilliant Soulslike action, coupled with a movement style not seen in this genre for an entire generation, resurrects a blast from the past in a whole new way. If you are a fan of the genre, this game is pure punishing fun with all that implies. If not, it's unlikely to convert you. In either case, Armored Core VI: Fires of the Rubicon is a brilliant title that breaks the mold on the genre in a whole new way.
With innumerable improvements to the formula, Mimimi has delivered another hit. Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is a wonderful tactical title with an even better story than its predecessors. This is the formula perfected.
Baldur's Gate 3 is an impossibly good RPG made with a great deal of passion and skill. While there are some last minute issues to iron out, Larian Studios has delivered an adventure beyond our wildest imaginations.
With unrelenting charm, excellent writing and voice work, and an art style that is sure to put a smile on your face, Disney Illusion Island is the magical Mickey Metroidvania you didn't know you needed.
Exoprimal's dreadful narrative and foundational mishaps drain the life out of the fun to be had, leading to one of Capcom's roughest outings in recent years.
At just $14.99, Execution Force gives you fresh ways to combat the demonic Nurgle horde with snipers, psykers, poisoners, and spies at your disposal, the forces of Chaos don't stand a chance.