Like most licensed games, enjoyment comes down to how much you like the source material. With a underwhelming story and lackluster combat, it can be a struggle for newcomers and fans alike to get into it. However, for those who really want to experience Tokyo Ghoul:re Call to Exist's story, it will have a small bit of charm. Add in a number of empty locations and bland design and it is a game that struggles to be more than an experience lifted by the source material. For some this is fine but for anyone looking for more you'll be disappointed.
Pokemon Sword and Shield is a decent mainline entry and a good attempt for their first home console Pokemon game. The new pokemon are lovely, the cinematic experience is phenomenal and it does most things quite well. Newcomers will have plenty to enjoy, while veteran fans will likely be disappointed. Add in the lack of a national dex and it's a shame but not enough to say it kills the experience.
It's almost impossible to hate Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville. From the goofy way characters move to the delightfully random attacks, it's sure to put a smile on your face. Story mode makes it easier for newcomers to get used to combat or give kids a way to have mindless fun. Costumes and other rewards add a fair amount of replay value, especially if you want to stand out. So, if you're looking for a nice change of pace, consider giving it a try and see if you can resist the charm.
Death Stranding is largely just, for better or worse, more Kojima. So, if you’re a fan of everything he does, odds are you’ll find enough to get through it and likely be happy, whereas if you questioned some of his choices or simply hate the trailers, I’d bet on you not liking this experience.
Luigi's Mansion 3 is yet another game that makes the Switch worth owning. Returning fans will have a wide variety of elements, both new and old, that deliver a spooky flare. This does not come at the cost of enjoyment, as it's just as charming and fun as ever before. For the third time in the row, Luigi has proven that he can be the star in his own game and more than just Mario's brother.
In the end, MediEvil is a rather rough remake. In terms of graphics and style, it does a fantastic job of bringing the kingdom of Gallowmere to modern times. It’s just everything else that is stuck in the past
It's easy to see The Outer Worlds was inspired by Fallout, though it's so much more than that. Where it might not be as vast as Fallout: New Vegas, clever writing and a choice-based narrative more than makeup for it. Combat feels similar, which can be viewed as a downside, though it is certainly not a deal-breaker. Flaws aside, The Outer Worlds is a fun RPG that offers a fair amount of replayability. Between comical and fun narratives and plenty of RPG elements, it feels like the spiritual successor of Fallout: New Vegas and that is certainly alright.
As mentioned above, Cat Quest was pretty good to begin with, so it isn't surprising the sequel is also great. It combines the simple yet effective combat with a new story, additional quests and a few new mechanics that make it feel fresh. While more experienced players will find it rather easy, less skilled or younger players will likely feel at home with the combat. It offers enough challenge to test your skills but not enough to overwhelm. Toss in a cute art style and tons of side quests and it's easy to see why it's fun.
Destiny Connect: Tick-Tock Travelers feels like an experiment that doesn't quite hit all the marks. There are good elements and certainly things that will not appeal to certain people but for the most part it works.
If you can look past the flaws, it can be a fun title that evokes a similar reaction as Wildlands.
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of Elusive Age is without question the definitive experience. The new content gives returning players something to do, with an overwhelming amount of things to do that just makes sense on a portable platform. Similar to the original release, this is a must-have for any JRPG fan and easily one of the best games currently available on the Nintendo Switch.
Code Vein is an interesting game that falls short of what it is trying to be. The intriguing storyline can't overcome the bland combat and lack of challenge. To buy into the idea of Code Vein, you really need a love of anime and an understanding it just isn't as challenging or fascinating as those games. But, if you can come to that understanding, it manages to shine in its own ways.
It's hard to put into words all the issues Contra: Rogue Corps has, largely because it isn't objectively awful, it's just painfully unimaginative. It seems to think the name and a couple of jokes are enough to sell it and honestly, it's probably enough to garner interesting, though there really isn't anything special about it. Everything is so plain, boring and simple that no amount of charm or quirks will make shooting some pink blob that flies at you interesting. Though, if you love top-down shooters and just want to see what it's like, maybe check it out during a sale.
Despite its age, Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch remains a charming adventure. Since it's a straight port, there is nothing for returning fans besides the ability to play on the go. Even if you opt for the PS4 version, the only difference is performance and visual fidelity. Of course, newcomers should not sleep on this title and see why so many people enjoyed the original.
After 13 years of the same thing, Gears 5 finally manages to change things for the better. With some much-added flair and long-overdue tweaks, it's a refreshing and easily the best the series has ever been. The Coalition did a phenomenal job with the campaign, co-op elements and the newly added Escape mode is an absolute delight. So, if you're expecting business as usual, you'll be pleasantly surprised by Gears 5.
Spyro Reignited Trilogy is pretty much all you could hope for in a remake. It feels like a modern version of the originals, at least as best that they could be, without too many dated elements to hold it back. While I would argue it didn't age as flawlessly as one could hope, you get an absurd amount of bang for your buck and the ability to take it on the go is hard to argue with. So, if you want to have a blast from the past, look no further than Spyro Reignited Trilogy.
Two decades following its original release, playing Final Fantasy VIII again in its remastered visuals and gameplay enhancements bring all the nostalgia and made me remember once again why it's considered as one of the best Final Fantasy titles to date. Sure, it is dated, especially with the battle system and gameplay, but what holds up until now is the story and the characters that made this game a classic masterpiece.
If you want a different RPG story with familiar elements, Oninaki is a fine choice but if you want the next big thing, well, this simply isn’t it.
Friday the 13th: The Game Ultimate Slasher Edition comes down to what you find important. If you want to play offline with bots or just casually play as Jason, odds are you'll get bored in an hour or two. However, if you have friends or have a love of mind games, there is plenty of things to do. Every match is less about finishing whatever task you decide to complete and more figuring out how to best your opponent(s). The gameplay style is a bit limited, as is variety but there is enough to see the value.
Given most powers seemed more like a hinderance than an advantage, it lacks the same making due with what you got element, if only for the fact anyone who can make some of these worthless skills work are the same people who can beat the game without the worthless skill to begin with. For some this might be great and it’s perfectly fine if you enjoy it, I just think RAD is one balance patch away from being a solid experience.