Ape Out is the embodiment of video game perfection. A clear artistic direction perfectly marries and compliments a simple, yet challenging, gameplay hook that keeps you coming back time after time. Additional challenging modes provide further replayability, and any excuse to keep playing is a good one in my books.
Trials Rising is the latest of the nearly-20 year phenomenon which, unfortunately, proves that less can indeed be more. The addition of the mid-game grind immediately dissuades the player from continuing and, coupled with the Switch version’s shortcomings, only highlights how great we used to have it.
Darksiders’ unique graphical style has aged well, but its gameplay and mechanics have not. Other games offer more engaging and thoughtful combat and level designs, making Darksiders: Warmastered Edition a tough sell. Not necessarily worth revisiting, if you have experienced it before.
Whilst the muddled story that immediately assumes you know the lore found in previous titles limits the draw of the campaign, Fate/EXTELLA LINK easily provides a surprisingly deep, content-rich adventure that is certain to become a time-sink should you let yourself go unchecked.
Though the content and concept of My Time at Portia is sublime, having the potential to enslave your attention for months to come, the Switch port lacks the polish and love it so desperately deserves. Should quality of life fixes be implemented, this will certainly be worth sinking your time into. For now, not so much.
Certainly not for everyone and absolutely not your typical game, Actual Sunlight provides a deeply emotional and occasionally difficult narrative to wade through on a dreary afternoon.
My Hero One's Justice 2 is, expectedly, a slightly better, more story-relevant take on 2018's surprise hit.