Despite its unapproachable first few hours and some severely rough edges, Planet Zoo is one of the best tycoon games of the year. It offers near-limitless potential through its construction and exhibit tools, while Frontier’s visually stunning animals feel authentic and supremely detailed. With some patches, there’s no denying Planet Zoo could wind up being something extraordinarily special.
In terms of moment to moment gameplay, Song of Horror can feel a little bland. The puzzles are inconsistent, it lacks scares, and the narrative is forgettable. However, the game’s willingness to go all-in on its interesting permadeath mechanic makes it a unique horror experience that manages to disguise its flaws with ambition. It may be largely centred around a gimmick, but with each episode feeling relatively brief, its one that doesn’t wear out its welcome.
A Hat In Time’s Switch port is sadly the worst way to play the game, however, beneath all its bugs and poor visuals, it’s the same aggressively fun and ruthlessly charming platformer. Its nine-hour runtime is filled with fluid gameplay, hilarious characters and diverse set of levels that toy around with the genre in the best way possible. A Hat In Time is simply one of the best platformers in years, and it’s worth dealing with the Switch’s technical limitations to experience.
The Surge 2 is a satisfyingly challenging game with fluid, fast and intense combat that rewards players investment. It’s not going to change the minds of Soulsborne detractors, but it’s got enough smart, unique features and interesting evolutions of the genre’s systems to put it on the radar of its fans. It’s far from a FromSoftware level game, but it’s a worthy alternative with a lot to offer.
Greedfall is an ambitious and, at times, enjoyable RPG that makes use of its unique setting to deliver a story full of intrigue and compelling themes. However, its clumsy presentation, slow gameplay and bug-prone nature leave it a game that always feels a few steps away from greatness. Greedfall definitely has its moments, but unfortunately, you’ll have to break through its severely rough exterior to find them.
This is easily the best way to experience The Walking Dead on a technical front. The graphical revamp of the first two seasons is impressive, the special features are a nice touch, and having all the games in one package is a convenient deal. However, it's the content you're here for and (for the most part) the games hold up exceptionally well. They may be slightly dated, but there's no doubting this package serves as a glowing reminder of Telltale's best work.
A disappointing third act and weak moral choices aside, Faith is the best episode since Life Is Strange 2's debut. It unravels Sean's character in interesting ways, has some expansive areas to visit and delves into the more mature aspects of the sequel's world to create some deeply poignant moments. With the finale right around the corner, the Diaz brothers' last chapter has all the ingredients to be a doozy.
Control is another Remedy title that shoots for the stars. It might not quite hit in every respect – with a lacklustre third act and some glaring technical issues – but its ambitious scope means what lands does so exceptionally well. The combat is satisfying, the world is overflowing with secrets and the atmosphere is second to none, ensuring Control is yet another stellar addition to Remedy's portfolio.
If you’re a fan of Beyond: Two Souls and want to revisit its world, this is easily the best way to do it. The visuals look superb and the new additions are welcome. However, age hasn’t been kind to Beyond: Two Souls’ story. Without the innovative glean that made this game so unique, Beyond is a poorly written experience that lacks player engrossment. It feels like David Cage’s attempt at directing a movie and, sadly, a tacky one at that.
While Effie has its heart in the right place, it can’t seem to find the spark that made its iconic platformer inspirations such lovable classics. It’s simplistic and just a little too bland to work, and while there are definitely elements that show care, it can’t save what is, at its core, a forgettable experience.