Cookie Cutter is hyper-violent translation of old-school Metroidvanias that gracefully does not allow itself to get bogged down with convoluted modern flourishes. Exploration tools drop the player into a satisfying progression loop that doesn’t rely on random elements and combat is not overtly punishing. But it’s Cookie Cutter‘s unique visual palette and uncompromising absurdity that truly leave a bloody impression before ever allowing itself to grow stale.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III will likely be one of the most troubled releases in the series' history. A Campaign and Zombies mode rife with Warzone influence make it difficult for the better parts to shine. Thankfully the multiplayer feels the best it has in years.
The Invincible is an apt, narrative-focused piece of science fiction. Avoid entrenched gameplay expectations as this "walking sim" aims to extend a curious, eerie hand, offering players a tense journey of alien discovery meant to be slowly absorbed.
Payday 3's catastrophic debut has instilled little faith in me. Despite a strong mechanical core and knowledge of Starbreeze's past support, it's apparent the game needed months more to cook and even then it may lose all but a hardcore audience.
Like its web-slinging hero, Marvel's Spider-Man 2 pulls double duty. Not only does this sequel vastly improve on the original, it has become the zenith of superhero features, bursting with blockbuster setpieces and sublime open-world action.
Cocoon's core premise is an evocative meditation on puzzle mechanics. A player's thought process should never come unraveled in this mysterious universe of overlapping worlds and expertly crafted "a ha!" moments that propel to new reveals and deeper brain teasers.
Ad Infinitum deals in many types of horror, often skewering expectations. Though rough around the edges and packing unremarkable puzzles, the terrifying truths of its real-world scares offer more captivating chills than its monster-focused moments.
Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon strays from the recent FromSoftware formula to deliver an amplified exploration of its long-dormant mech series. Intense action and deep customization more than make up for its daunting opening hours and nebulous story.
Fort Solis' aspirations of big-budget, television-like storytelling nails the look and sound in spades. But its execution may leave players wanting, especially those searching for a viable video game.
In Somerville's attempt to differentiate from Limbo and Inside, player's are left with a moody, wordless story lacking technical finesse and head-scratching puzzles that define the genre's best.
Sea of Stars is a pitch-perfect homage to many of the classic turn-based RPGs from a bygone, beloved era. Rather than mere imitation, Sabotage Studio has crafted a loving tribute to genre hallmarks.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is a watershed moment for RPGs and gaming. It represents one of the closest approximations of true freedom, creativity, and player choice available, evolving concepts and mechanics that have been tinkered with for decades. Using Dungeons & Dragons as its catalyst, Larian has honored the past and forged a new future for a genre that has allowed increased agency for players to put their thoughts, feelings, hopes, and wants inside of a digital realm and live. Like every other player, my experience with Baldur’s Gate 3 is significantly anecdotal, ripe with unique stories about what happened to me that would take hours to share. But why listen to me when you can become lost in one of the most richly beautiful worlds ever created and make up your own tale?
Diablo 4 is the herald of your newest time sink. Blizzard's constantly captivating ARPG went to refine rather than redefine, resulting in a familiar dungeon crawler that gives players fountains of loot and endless possibilities to blitz through increasingly vicious foes.
SkateBIRD is capable enough to ensnare players looking for a game that encapsulates its simple, clever pun. Beyond that, however, is a passable skating experience that would have benefited from a touch more polish and a slightly more vibrant world.
Street Fighter 6 is a profoundly rich and diverse fighting game, living up to the series' legacy. Crafted for everyone, the game entices experimentation, fun, and mastery through online play and a unique campaign that can acclimate all to the genre's complexities.
As a remaster of a Wii game only released in Japan, Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse struggles not to show its age and seemingly ancient mechanics. But beneath the grainy surface is a moderately chilling horror game with a unique way to tackle terror.
Powerwash Simulator forgoes any semblance of complexity to provide players with a game pure and unflinching in its quest to tickle a certain part of the brain that just wants to clean... or listen to some podcasts.
Life is Strange 2 on Nintendo Switch is a faithful port of a four-year-old game. The story of brotherly love leaves a lasting impact, even if this aging console continues to show its seams.
Yuppie Psycho: Extended Edition places players in a surreal corporate hellscape. A brisk horror adventure crosses grim visuals and dark humor while providing hours of new content and context.
An ambitious amalgamation of familiar formulas, Broken Pieces starts strong but a lack of direction and variety bog down the narrative, eventually causing the game to fracture and cloud the earlier hours of enjoyment with doubt.