While Coast Guard is marketed as providing a thrilling and exciting simulation and adventure experience, the actual narrative and gameplay couldn't be further from the truth. Issues ranging from uninteresting and boring gameplay to a story that doesn't make much sense make Coast Guard a truly difficult experience to play through. Coast Guard isn't worth your time or money.
Not even a Hulk can save Lego Marvel's Avengers from its tiresome gameplay mechanics. Smashing apart bricks isn't fun anymore, and, unfortunately, Developer TT Games doesn't realize that yet. Even a wide variety of content can't save the game from being boring to play. Recommended for kids with posters of Iron Man in their rooms—and a pass for everyone else.
Gamers shouldn't be fooled by the lighthearted premise of I am Bread as both difficult controls and gameplay mechanics result in continual frustration. I am Bread would have been better off as a funny, short gimmick and not a complete game focused around the premise of being a bread slice.
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.
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.
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.
Regicide's attempt to combine the Warhammer 40,000 setting and chess produces mixed results with a forgettable narrative and lackluster gameplay experience. While the Regicide mode that combines chess with tactical movement and combat is an interesting concept to play with, it often is brought down by odd design quirks and a gameplay experience that lacks any sort of visual flair. Warhammer 40,000: Regicide is best recommended to only the truly dedicated fans of the Games Workshop created universe.
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.
XCOM 2 checks many of the right boxes for a worthwhile sequel. The improved turn-based strategy gameplay and base management are the true highlights of the sequel. The game's random nature and urge for trying new strategies will keep players coming back. The game stumbles, however, at making the series accessible to a larger audience. The overwhelming difficulty is frustrating. That may be appreciated by series fans, but doesn't welcome newcomers.
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.
American Truck Simulator, like the rest of the Truck Simulator series, is polished and entertaining. It's smaller than Euro Truck Simulator 2; it feels more like a foundation than a full game. No matter, the low price tag and addictive simulator gameplay make it a joy to go trucking through famous American cities like San Francisco and Las Vegas. American Truck Simulator is easy to recommend to series fans and newcomers alike, especially knowing that more content is on the way.
Knights of Pen and Paper 2 checks all the right marks for proper port from smartphones to PC including remastered graphics, mouse and keyboard support, and including all the previously released content for a single, low price. Unfortunately, the game can't completely avoid its roots as a smartphone game with gameplay that is best enjoyed in short spans. While it might not be the most complex role-playing game available, it's a worthwhile and entertaining purchase for players eager to set out on a casual fantasy adventure.
While it might not be the most feature expansion pack, what it does contain will certainly excite fans of the original game who've been looking for more content.
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.
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.
Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak tells one of the better science fiction narratives I've seen in a real-time strategy game. While the campaign is short, I enjoyed most of the Homeworld-inspired gameplay. Skirmish and multiplayer modes beef up the content, but the overall content-to-price ratio doesn't quite even out. Minor gripes aside, Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak is one of the more compelling real-time strategy games I've played in some time.
Prison Architect is one of the more unique game releases in years. What would seem daunting at first, with building and managing a prison, quickly reveals to be both an addictive and entertaining gameplay experience. While minor bugs can still be found from time to time, these don't distract from the overall enjoyment of creating the perfect prison. Entrepreneurial prison designers, this is the game you need to buy.
Rebel Galaxy is one of the best space games released in some time, both in terms of its vast content and that its low price that won't break your wallet. A slow beginning to the game and over reliance on grinding shouldn't deter gamers in experiencing everything that Rebel Galaxy has to offer to eager space going adventurers. It's difficult not to smile as your ship zooms across space, taking in the star-filled view, and listening to the Firefly inspired soundtrack.
The White March - Part 1 is a great first expansion for Pillars of Eternity fans that have been in need of new content. A lengthy main quest, varied side tasks, and an enthralling narrative combine to make a worthwhile expansion for veteran players. The White March is best recommended for those players with a high-leveled party of adventurers ready to embark on a challenging quest to enter the Dwarven forge of Durgan's Battery.