Darkness in the Capital may seem like a typical expansion and it is in some sense, but that phrasing gives a short shift to how it builds on top of an excellent experience and remains a clawed fist that’s as sharp as it ever was. Its combat is fundamentally fantastic so adding new variables that maintain the same level of quality is only going to make that loop even more engaging. Darkness in the Capital’s array of bosses bring in another set of challenges and its new weapon encourages both thoughtful play and fast action. And in a game full of challenges and fast action, meaningfully building on top of that is still an accomplishment.
Crash Bandicoot 4‘s stellar level design, responsive controls, deep replayability, and superb animation all come together to create such an outstanding experience that not only brings this bandicoot back to life, but also removes it from the dusty shelf where all the other taxidermied ’90s platforming mascots go to be forgotten.
Mafia: Definitive Edition is tedious enough as it is by 2020 standards. Clunky gunplay and lousy vehicle handling make the shootouts as frustrating as the getaway drive. The promising setup can’t avoid getting whacked either as it disappoints through its inability to meaningfully execute on its multiple beats. The talented cast and better realized 1930s world outdo its 2002 counterpart, but the rest of its blunders come together and result in an offer that’s relatively easy to refuse.
Gorgon might be a dangerous rock that has been overrun by hostile Marauders, but it’s one heck of a spot for a hilarious and engaging multi-hour tale of intrigue.
AWE is an awesome, wondrous expansion with an Alan Wake experience that appropriately weds earlier Remedy titles with Control.
Mortal Shell’s scope ends up being a more significant net gain as it offers a brisk Soulslike experience without trying to overwhelm players with content for content’s sake.
It’s not a revolutionary piece of DLC, but, much like the armor and weapons it adds to the game, it enhances an already-strong and relentless warrior.
Cuphead is likely to be an unforgettable experience no matter what is played on.
The dated DNA is still there in some respects, but the genetic engineers at Black Forest have done some intelligent gene editing to ensure that it is still a subject worth harvesting, which is what any true Furon would want anyway.
Superhot left players wanting MORE and Mind Control Delete demonstrates that that might have been a good idea.
Catherine: Full Body is one of those rare full-bodied ports that’s just as enjoyable when poured into a to-go cup.
The first half’s semi-aimless and methodical pacing drags in its latter half as it bites off more story than it can comfortably chew and then spends too many hours trying to flesh out each one of its many beats.
Mortal Kombat 11’s blemishes have carried over to Aftermath yet they are far outweighed by the accompanying strengths that have also made the jump. NetherRealm’s extraordinary cinematic techniques are on full display in Aftermath’s three-hour campaign and provide an appreciated touch of darkness to the game’s overall narrative. RoboCop, Sheeva, and Fujin also all earn their place on the character select screen even if none of them were topping out anyone’s most-wanted list. Aftermath’s premium additions, in conjunction with the free content, demonstrate that Mortal Kombat 11 is more than capable and deserving to survive far into the future; a true but welcome irony for a game famous for its gruesome depictions of death and dismemberment.
Saints Row: The Third Remastered can coast on some its nostalgic value. Its multitude of upgrade systems provide the necessary carrots to fulfill a true Saints-like power fantasy and its visuals do look better than ever. And while its humor just barely gets out alive, the other parts of the game — like the incessant, anger-inducing ragdolling, banal side mission design, and lack of new content — aren’t as funny.
Moving Out is mostly a seamless move, even considering these bumps in the road, because of its cooperative gameplay.
Much like a real hunt, Predator: Hunting Grounds rewards patience. Wading through the questionable technical performance and perplexing design gives persistent Predators a multiplayer experience that flourishes as its cat-and-mouse gameplay reveals itself like a newly uncloaked Yautja.
The Journey to the Savage Planet Hot Garbage DLC doesn’t introduce anything particularly spectacular. Instead, it serves as a helpful reminder of why the game as a whole is so special in the first place.
Modern Warfare 2 is a dated game due to the archaic framework that surrounds its gunplay and primitive storytelling, showing that the “modern” part of Modern Warfare 2 is no longer as applicable.
Will of the Wisps doesn’t jump as high as Ori and the Blind Forest and falls in a few extra pits yet it is still a worthy enough successor.
Lackluster cosmetics are the least of Bleeding Edge’s problems. Ninja Theory may have succeeded in creating a cast of distinct, well-crafted characters that are full of personality, but it stumbled in making an engrossing game around that diverse roster.