A.J. Maciejewski
After Wave: Downfall is an arcade-style game that lacks refinement yet it's still undeniably compelling thanks to its frantic gameplay and enjoyable co-op implementation. Plus, the fact that you can unlock all sorts of upgrades and extra content is a nice bonus.
As far as shoot 'em ups go, Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid: Burst Forth!! Choro-gon Breath is a high quality action-packed title that'll have you frantically shooting as you swap characters on the fly and unlock many rewarding collectibles. Definitely check it out.
Islets keeps things simple with its Metroidvania formula yet it accomplishes its satisfying gameplay so exceptionally well that it's hard to stop playing it once you start. Plus, watching the islands come together has to be one of the most rewarding mechanics in the genre.
I had a decent amount of fun with Kirby's Dream Buffet but that fun definitely doesn't stay around long which makes it a game that's best played in short bursts or as part of a multiplayer playlist. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have an entire chocolate cake to eat.
Well, we're definitely off to a great start because this first wave of DLC has some bona fide classics as well as a few welcome surprises.
Guiding a robot as it tunnels underground makes for one enjoyable gameplay formula that'll keep you hooked once you learn the ropes.
The original arcade version of Avenging Spirit is more of a wacky curiosity than a good game but it still makes for some fun times.
Turbo Golf Racing is yet another fun and frantic online vehicle-based sports game that offers plenty of excellent competitive action.
Logic Pic is one of the biggest and most fully-featured Picross games you can play so if you enjoy nonograms then definitely give it a go.
Hell Pie does a decent job of combining Conker's Bad Fur Day and Whiplash but it's certainly not as enjoyable as either of them.
I enjoyed my time with ANIQUILATION as it's a solid twin-stick shooter that will have you mastering planets filled with dastardly foes.
KOKORO CLOVER Season 1 is a delightful game that feels like an interactive Saturday morning cartoon complete with plenty of cuteness.
Sword and Fairy: Together Forever is a unique action RPG that's packed with variety, a gorgeous game world, and oodles of optional content. It may not be the most challenging or deep RPG out there but it's definitely special, I can tell you that.
Gale of Windoria is an RPG that's bursting with clever innovations while also featuring some disappointing aspects that sometimes make it a chore to play. I'd love to see a finer-tuned iteration, especially if the impressively strategic Quartz system remains untouched.
Train Valley is a superbly challenging game that strikes the perfect balance between track-building sim and arcade-like structure. If you enjoy tough games that'll keep you strategizing as you think on your feet then I wholeheartedly recommend it.
MultiVersus is a solid Smash Bros. clone that's definitely promising, especially with its distinctly-playing characters and flexible gameplay. It may currently be slightly underwhelming in some regards but I'm looking forward to seeing how this project evolves over time.
Two Point Campus is certainly a substantial step up from Two Point Hospital as it's a much smoother experience and features some undeniably nifty new mechanics. It goes without saying but if you enjoy these kinds of games then it's a definite must-play.
FROGUN will definitely be one of most underrated games of 2022. With a pitch-perfect N64-era presentation, intuitive yet challenging gameplay, tons of replay value, and oodles of charm, there's certainly a lot to love. So, hop to it if you're up for the challenge. 🐸
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the jam-packed HunterX and look forward to whatever game ORANGE POPCORN creates next.
Mega Man Battle & Fighters is a highly entertaining portable interpretation of 2 arcade treasures that are themselves nifty compilations of classic Mega Man boss fights. So, if you're a fan of the Blue Bomber then definitely play this.