Either as an adult or a kid experiencing the series for the first time, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart will show you why many have stuck around with the series for this long since it first appeared in 2002, and why you'll see more of it for years to come.
Returnal isn’t for everyone, as this is a game that asks you to take a similar leap; it’s asking a lot from you with its never-ending gameplay, deep sci-fi narrative, and difficulty that could lead to frustration on long-winded runs. It’s all so well-done, however, that even though one aspect of this game might be enough to turn you off completely, another could make this a game worth playing from start to finish.
It’s a complete game straight out of the box; Outriders doesn’t feel like another one of those live service games - you know the type - where you’re encouraged to go online and do dailies, weeklies, and pretty much not miss out on limited-time rewards. It’s very refreshing, as I didn’t feel the need to question what’s next for Outriders; while I can walk away from the experience happy I’ve accomplished all I set out to do, I can easily see myself revisiting this game again in the future with another character to repeat the process all over again.
Persona 5 Strikers is easier to swallow compared to the long-winded original. The hack and slash, Dynasty Warriors-like combat felt more fitting for Persona 5 as a whole, and the Phantom Thieves are a cool bunch that it wouldn’t be so bad if Atlus stretches out more adventures in the future. They’ve clearly shown that they are capable of delivering a new and entertaining experience without ruining what made Persona 5 beloved by many since it launched back in 2016.
In time, it will likely get better, which makes it hard to recommend, as patience shouldn’t be a requirement to enjoy a video game, especially from a studio highly praised in providing great games. If you do take the plunge, there’s greatness found deep inside, you just need to dig with your hands longer than usual to get to it.
We know how crazy 2020 has been, but out of all the games I've played this year, Sackboy: A Big Adventure was the one I didn’t know I needed. It’s a fantastic platformer that appeals to players of all ages. You may feel uplifted, or encouraged, even. The game doesn’t reinvent the wheel for its genre, but the impressive execution, clever ideas, and extra effort behind this platformer proves that the world of Sackboy is a fun place to visit, and that the polish done to every aspect of the game makes it a must-buy for any enthusiast that owns a PS4 and PS5.
I had fun with Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War, especially with the campaign. Zombies remain great and is now easier to swallow, but multiplayer - being the main selling point for a Call of Duty game - is the weakest link in the package. With a strong entry last year, and numerous online games now available that are viable alternatives, Treyarch’s approach in multiplayer this year didn’t sell a good enough case to invest more time on it in the coming months. Time will tell how the first season will go, but the initial burst of content out the gate could fall flat, making some look elsewhere to satisfy that FPS multiplayer itch.
All of these elements make Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, whether you love it or hate it, make a complete open-world RPG package. Like any large vessel with multiple shipwrights, some decisions and elements weigh the game down, but I would go as far as considering this one of the best Assassin’s Creed titles to come around in a long time.
Mortal Shell is bleak, twisted, and poses a challenge from start to finish. It will leave you wanting more, and while some mechanics weren't as fleshed out and diverse as I’d hoped, this game from Cold Symmetry is a commendable adventure that deserves the attention of those who love the subgenre.
"There are a few setbacks, but none of them so much as taint the fact that Horizon Chase Turbo: Deluxe Edition - a simple and fun experience either alone or with friends - is a solid choice worth considering for arcade racing enthusiasts."
It’s an appealing revenge story that many will love, hate, or at the very least appreciate. This is a game that may challenge your moral compass. I can foresee that this will be talked about by players for weeks, even months, making it a rare experience worth soldiering through.
Legends of Runeterra is a satisfying online card game that has the potential to be among the best titles in its genre, but the success of this game will be based on the new cards added in the future and how they balance the game while maintaining a fun environment for the community.
The expansion isn’t the best piece of content but the overall changes that came with the launch of The Division 2: Warlords of New York expansion make it a great addition to keep avid players geared up and ready for the coming content planned for the game in 2020.
This is Bungie’s first take on releasing content on its own as a studio, and just how aggressive they will be in releasing future content is still a big mystery. It has only been a few months in, but the current state of Destiny 2 shows that it’s aimed in the right direction. Shadowkeep is a reminder that not everything can go as planned, and that this new journey for the Destiny franchise can still be a bumpy ride.
The Ghost Recon series is now among the many franchises that provide just that: what started with Ghost Recon Wildlands has continued in Breakpoint, an open-world tactical shooter that feels great when the bullets start flying, but slowly loses its identity the moment you're caught in this endless gameplay circuit of looting gear to “improve” your character.
There are countless issues that made me roll my eyes, but they did not outweigh the gameplay, which is something I plan to engage in every now and then, but probably on mute or while watching a movie.
Developer Supermassive Games was on track to pioneering interactive horror in their breakout PS4 exclusive Until Dawn. Unfortunately, Man of Medan doesn't come close to matching that 2015 release. What they've provided is a dull horror story with predictable jump-scares, uninteresting characters, and a story that will leave you scratching your head and saying, "Really?"
I played They are Billions on PS4 and loved what the folks at Numantian Games created, but feel the console version is not the best way to properly appreciate this zombie apocalypse.
Days Gone has characters that make you smile, and a trusty bike ready to take you away. For while some irritations persisted during my playthrough – such as the technical irregularities that need to be patched – that its encounters provide a real sense of accomplishment makes it an open world worth exploring.
“Left Alive insists you play it smart and conservative, but the combat has the potential to get stale early on. Having to revisit past locations with different characters magnifies the lack of variety, both in combat and level design.”