Elton Jones
Street Fighter's refined gameplay mechanics have managed to stand the test of time and get better with each successive update and sequel. This compilation offers a playable explanation as to why Capcom's most popular fighting game series still remains relevant and beloved to today's crop of gamers.
The Blue Bomber's modern-day revival is largely a success.
As an overall compilation, the Mega Man X Legacy Collection 1+2 is full of some valuable series entries that are worth returning to.
Playing online is fun at times, but the constant presence of lag knocks that feature down a peg. And while the seven brawlers featured in this bundle are top-notch, the ones that are missing are too hard to ignore. Even still, the Capcom Beat 'Em Up Bundle is a pleasant romp through a museum full of the best coin munchers ever produced.
Even with the lack of a tag team mode and the issues present in how costume pattern parts are utilized, Dead or Alive 6 still stands as the most refreshing entry in the series.
Remnant: From the Ashes is best categorized as an enjoyable diamond in the rough.
The campaign is nearly perfect, while the multiplayer and co-op sections are good yet hampered by annoying issues. 2019’s Modern Warfare reboot has a lot going for it. But it also has a few problematic elements that keep it from attaining the highest of honors.
Arc System Works has produced another great anime fighter that does its job of bringing in beginner fighting game players and showcasing Granblue Fantasy to a larger player base. Its graphics are amazing, its orchestral soundtrack is pleasing on the ears, and its deceptively simple combat mechanics offers a limitless serving of entertainment.
Streets of Rage 4’s awesome presentation, fun combat, and clever Easter Eggs for series fanatics still make it worth a recommendation.
Fairy Tail came out of nowhere to deliver a worthwhile RPG that rises above the usual mediocre material tied to anime games.
Marvel’s Avengers is still worth a recommendation and looks to be even more worthy as it throws free DLC at players over time.
The bare-bones mode structure and the lack of any new fighters is a letdown, for sure. But everything else this update has to offer makes it worth returning to or diving into for the very first time. VIRTUA FIGHTER IS OFFICIALLY BACK, BABY!
Omega Force’s graphical changes and additions to the main gameplay mechanics end up getting the job done for Samurai Warriors 5. The visuals pop off the screen a lot more, the reimagined warriors you’ll unlock over time all look great, and the two new combat options keep the Musou battle royale formula from feeling stale. The usage of the series’ legacy sound effects for combat is a bit of a letdown, however. Plus the problems that come with utilizing the lock-on camera can definitely be a buzzkill. But overall, Samurai Warriors 5 offers a largely engrossing journey through the Sengoku period in playable form.
As an overall compilation, the Mega Man X Legacy Collection 1+2 is full of some valuable series entries that are worth returning to. The original Mega Man X, plus X2, X4, and X8 offer the highest quality of the entire franchise. The more flawed portions of this compilation (X3, X5, X6, and X7) brings down its overall quality, however.
This year's installment of digital WWE action helps the franchise climb to the position of an upper-mid card talent.
As a side project, Wolfenstein: Youngblood comes off better than expected.
While relatively shorter than Until Dawn, The Dark Pictures: Man of Medan still manages to deliver a worthwhile romp through a supernatural horror film.
Fantasy Strike acts as the ultimate playable lesson for anyone looking to enter the world of fighting games. Its selection of characters may not bring you in, but its fun and simple approach to button inputs and combos will definitely keep you.
Kakarot is still one of the best Dragon Ball Z games ever made, but here’s hoping that an eventual Dragon Ball Super game in the same action RPG vein is far more refined.
It’s crazy to fathom that a Musou game is far better than it has any right to be in this day and age of more complex action game experiences. One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 makes itself approachable and worth sticking with for the long haul thanks to an incredible use of its source material, a huge cast of characters to master and the type of mission structure that offers tons of fun in small/large doses.