Travis Huinker
Neverwinter is one of the best free-to-play games this year, with its fluid combat, extensive amount of quests, and Foundry tool in which players can create their own adventures. Most importantly, premium points and items don't affect the game for those who choose to adventure on the free route. Role-playing fans owe themselves an extended journey to the world of Neverwinter.
Line of Defense Tactics includes an entertaining and in-depth strategy experience, yet doesn't provide a great introduction to the game's universe with a narrative that isn't compelling or interesting. Even with some of the later levels straying into frustrating territory, much of the game provides a worthwhile and challenging gameplay experience that is sure to please strategy enthusiasts. While not perfect, Line of Defense Tactics is a solid entry in the squad-based strategy genre.
The Elder Scrolls Online is a solid massively multiplayer online experience. There is a variety of content both in the adventure and player-versus-player modes. A lack of risk-taking in the genre formula, however, holds the game back from being innovative or unique. Fortunately, the Elder Scrolls setting and lore are presented perfectly in addition to including one of the best player-versus-player systems in an MMO. Fans of the Elder Scrolls series who can overlook a monthly subscription fee are sure to find plenty to enjoy on their online adventures in Tamriel.
Metro Redux is the perfect entry point for series newcomers as it combines two of the best shooters in recent times in a remastered collection. In addition, series fans are in for a huge treat with the remastered Metro 2033 and Last Light games for replaying their favorite moments with improved gameplay and visuals. Metro Redux is far more than a high definition update, it's a truly remastered and definitive experience.
WildStar is a fresh and bold MMORPG that succeeds in taking a risk by combining exaggerated science fiction and humor, ultimately being highly rewarding for players. The extensive amount of content and customization available to players makes WildStar one of the best MMORPG releases in years.
The Sims 4 is undoubtedly a major step forward for the series that improves on many aspects that plagued past titles. However, with the improvements also comes an unusual disappearance of features from past games which result in less control and customization. Even with the missing content, The Sims 4 delivers a gameplay experience that is highly-entertaining and addictive for both series veterans and newcomers.
Nether has a lot of potential to be a great game, but unfortunately it suffers from odd design choices that make the gameplay experience an exercise in repeat frustration. The addition of microtransactions and premium currency was an unfortunate decision to include in a game focused around the survival gameplay genere. Nether is difficult to recommend as a purchase as similar and better games are available to players.
Train Fever is a highly ambitious transportation management game that unfortunately suffers from gameplay issues ranging from slow progression to a lack of objectives. Train Fever is only recommended to those who are strong fans of the genre, while other players are better off with more welcoming and polished games.
Farming Simulator 15 is a great addition to the series that includes a massively improved graphics and physics engine in addition to redesigned user interface and woodcutting gameplay. Players new to the series and farming will require patience and trail and error in learning the various gameplay mechanics. Farming Simulator 15 earns a strong recommendation for both series fans and farming enthusiasts.
Company of Heroes 2: Ardennes Assault is both a worthwhile expansion for series fans and standalone game for those new to the series. With a non-linear campaign structure and thrilling missions, Ardennes Assault earns a high recommendation.
ArcheAge is one of the best free-to-play games to be released this year, with a near endless amount of content awaiting eager adventurers. While ArcheAge could strongly benefit from further guidance on more advanced gameplay mechanics, the overall experience -- from completing numerous quests and crafting tasks to sailing a boat or flying a glider -- are simply too entertaining to miss with the game being free-to-play.
Minimum is an entertaining online shooter that perfectly employs a texture-less and block-filled visual style. With a wide assortment of maps and various items to craft, Minimum is recommended to multiplayer shooter fans who've been looking for their next online addiction.
The Old City: Leviathan is a bold game for its complete focus on the narrative that translates into a gameplay experience that is both atmospheric and haunting. While the game's story can sometimes become too obscure for its own good, the majority of the narrative experience shouldn't be missed by adventurous gamers.
Homeworld 1 and 2 were classic real-time strategy games in their original forms, with the exception of some of difficulty issues. The Homeworld Remastered Collection brings the series back in a thoughtful approach that keeps intact the original gameplay experience, while also masterfully recreating the visuals and sound. By utilizing original artists and voice actors, it's clear a great deal of work has gone into bringing the Homeworld series to the modern era of gaming. The epic scale of space battles and awe-inspiring backdrops they take place in make the Homeworld Remastered Collection a must own for real-time strategy fans.
Cities: Skylines brings the city building genre back after its near demise from other series' flawed game releases. The inclusion of large game maps, natural resources management, addictive progression system, and all of it running at a near-flawless technical performance make Cities: Skylines the new standard in city building games.
Battlefield Hardline takes a fresh look at the traditional warfare gameplay with a focus on combat between criminals and cops. The single-player campaign makes for a compelling and innovative approach to the traditional Battlefield gameplay with an increased focus on multiple victory paths and stealth. A variety of new game modes and redesigned progression system make for some of the best online multiplayer gameplay found in a Battlefield series game. Battlefield Hardline is a worthwhile entry in the series that shouldn't be passed over by fans.
Deathtrap's unique take on the tower defense genre by expanding player interaction with action and role-playing gameplay elements results in an entertaining and worthwhile experience. Both fans of tower defense and role-playing games are recommended to take a journey into the world of Deathtrap.
The Sims 4 Get to Work does a lot of right things for being its first expansion pack that only stumbles in a few places. The manageable retail businesses and photography skill are great additions to the base game, while the new career venues suffer from repetitive gameplay and frequent load screens. Sims fans shouldn't hesitate in picking up the Get to Work expansion pack as the new gameplay features and added content are well worth the purchase.
Sid Meier's Starships provides a simplified, portable gameplay snippet of the series turn-based gameplay that ultimately makes it a difficult recommend for Civilization fans. While the game was clearly designed for a tablet, there is still some entertainment to be found in brief gameplay sessions. Yet, it's impossible not to take into account there are far superior strategy games on PC that make Starships an even less-desiring title to play.
Project Cars delivers a solid racing sandbox that is both entertaining to play and stunning to see in action. Unfortunately, the game's career system lacks proper progression and any incentive to complete its races. Racing enthusiasts are sure to enjoy all that Project Cars has to offer, while those looking for a game to compete with its console competition will have to keep waiting or look elsewhere.