By creating a timer feature that tracks how much time we're away from Quinn, Stay extends its memorable experience beyond our gaming monitor and asks us how long we're willing to stay away when it has negative consequences. With great narrative and relatable content, the title falters in creating far too complex puzzles that transform the game from Stay into Stuck. However, Quinn's story (and our story) create solid and thoughtful gameplay that keeps us coming back for more. If one can overlook the puzzling mishaps, Stay is a title that reaches out to all of us and creates a worthwhile experience.
While Salt and Sanctuary is truly its own game, with themes and elements appealing to fans of the genre, there were moments when it was too similar to its predecessors, and some unnecessary mechanics were added in an attempt to separate itself from the pack. Sometimes, paying homage to something can get caught up in the fine line of copying. However, it is a title that fits well with a "pick up/put down" pace and gives players a lot of choice in how they wish to play. Salt and Sanctuary provides ample replay value in a fun title that is fast-paced and challenging enough for anyone seeking a "Souls-like" game.
State of Mind is a thrilling mystery that knows how to keep its audience engaged.
Dive into The Sinking City and welcome our Cthulhu overlords with open arms.
With its many surprises, Darkwood is a title with immeasurable depth that will keep horror fans gripped until the very end. An important focus on narrative-driven gameplay kept me hooked and desperate for answers. A horrifying aesthetic with spooky soundscapes plays with our instincts and terrifies the senses. When the title boasted "a horror game without jump-scares", I initially rolled my eyes. Most titles incorporate some kind of jump-scare to get a cheap reaction out of players. Even tastefully done jump-scares feel cheap to me because I'm not actually "scared," I'm just surprised. Darkwood succeeds where many other titles fail. It's a heart-racing experience that any horror fan worth their salt should attempt to survive.
Yet despite its complicated objectives, Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey challenges players to think outside the box by using contemporary, evolved knowledge to survive in a prehistoric world.
Does this mean Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Champions is a bad game? Not necessarily. It's just a game with a very specific purpose: selling microtransactions to Warhammer fans. The game has unique mechanics that are genuinely fun to put into action, but it's still a generic monetary title. Developer PlayFusion plans to continue updating the game by adding new content. Champions has more longevity to it than other CCGs out there. It's an entertaining title for a time-sink for when you're waiting at the doctor's office, but it falls short of being a good console game.
Hyperspace Delivery Service is a charming, retro-inspired experience.
Deliver Us the Moon is a surprisingly emotional story about the indomitability of the human spirit and the sacrifices of the few for the many.
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is the champion of the RTS genre we deserve.
I wanted to like Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot more.
Dreams is not a traditional game, but rather constantly changing innovative content creation software for PlayStation 4.
One Step from Eden is an impressive feat of card-battling rogue-likes.
Neversong took me about three hours to complete, but its message resonated with me for far longer.
Command & Conquer Remastered Collection is a treasure trove of content for fans of all generations.
Those Who Remain deserves major points for creativity of ideas and premise.
Othercide blends beloved elements of turn-based strategy with its own unique brand of style and gameplay.
Mobile Suit Gundam Extreme VS Maxiboost ON is the fighting Gundam game we've wanted, but never actually got until now.
Mortal Shell is a faithful homage to the games that came before it.
Wasteland is back and better than ever with all new settings, narratives and gameplay, but with that same wacky flavor the franchise is known for.