Halo Infinite had a lot going against it due to a lot of behind the scenes issues. But against all odds this game manages to deliver. Not all of its ideas work, like the bloated open world, repetitive environments and especially the abysmal progression system in the multiplayer. But at the end of the day, the core mechanics are excellent. They are so excellent, in fact, that I enjoyed the action far more than nitpicking every issue I had.
For a series with such a high pedigree, Dread hits all the high notes and leaves very little to be unsatisfied with. Even after experiencing its bombastic finale, it has many secrets to discover that warrant multiple playthroughs. Even if the additions are subtle, it’s the refined sheen of polish that makes Dread not just one of the best games in the franchise, but one of the best games in recent memory.
Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania is a major step up from Banana Blitz HD. Thanks to a better source material, both the single and multiplayer content is great. There are some changes with the physics that can lead to very frustrating moments, but as a whole, this is a return to form. Not every new idea lands, but the sheer amount of content for every kind of player will ensure there is something for everyone.
WarioWare: Get It Together! gets a lot of points for reinvigorating the classic formula. Controlling characters in microgames adds a new layer to the gameplay without making the simple goals too convoluted. Unfortunately, the uneven characters and obtuse controls can result in some frustration. The multiplayer offerings are fun when the main games are the focus, but the variety pack doesn’t add much interest despite its namesake. Still, with all the warts, this is still WarioWare, and it’s still as hilarious and fun as it’s always been. Even if it couldn’t get all of its ideas together, it’s still better than having a rotten time.
Whether you are a squire or a samurai lord, Ghost of Tsushima is still as excellent as it was a year ago. If you haven’t played the game before and are debating if to pick up the PS5 version at full price, I’d still recommended it. The sheer amount of content from the main game, the expansion island, and the fantastic multiplayer make it a worthwhile purchase.
After living in Wii purgatory for 11 years, it’s nice for other console owners to finally experience Sonic Colors. The Ultimate edition brings some graphical flourishes and a forgiving difficulty curve that would help benefit beginners. However, the myriad of both visual and audio glitches dampen the overall experience. I do hope that Blind Squirrel can polish the game down the line and provide a more consistent experience. Unfortunately, as it stands, Sonic Colors: Ultimate doesn’t quite reach for the stars.
Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown is a welcome return of the grand-daddy of 3D fighters. The much needed graphical touch ups help rejuvenate an aging game thanks to better facial animations and cleaner visuals. The gameplay is as solid as ever, handling especially well with the online integration. Unfortunately those who aren’t into the competitive aspect of fighting games might not find a lot to enjoy here. If you are big into the genre and want a more technical fighter, it is highly recommended.
New Pokémon Snap is the spin-off that many fans have been yearning for years. Nintendo has not only managed to satiate the hunger of hardcore fans, but the simple yet inviting approach to the world of photography means the entry point is far more forgiving than most games. The repetition and some of the technical issues can hinder the experience, but all of that is eliminated thanks to that joyous moments of discovery.
In the end, Immortals Fenyx Rising has a generic name applied to a familiar experience. It also happens to sport some derivative design choices. Nevertheless, thanks to its unique style, addicting exploration and enjoyable gameplay, it's an easy game to recommend to everyone. There are some clunky moments and the humor often fumbles more than it lands, but its charm rises above those pitfalls. For those looking for a grand adventure, this is an odyssey worth embarking on.
Ultimately, Bugsnax is one charming adventure. Underneath the wacky exterior of outlandish critters lies a surprisingly heartfelt story. Even with its shortcomings and glitches, the game rises above thanks to its charm. This is a case of style over substance that manages to exceed expectations.
The new items, moves, locations and of course Pokémon add a lot to the replay value. Dynamax Adventures alone are worth the price of admission for both DLC expansions. If this is the direction that the franchise is going to take from now on, I’d say that Game Freak definitely nailed it on their first try.
While the story is leagues over the original, its short length and lack of content feels sparse. I think the value of the DLC lies with having both expansion packs together, since Crown Tundra will feature the long awaited Legendary Raids. Isle of Armor is a nice addition for Pokémon Sword and Shield, but only the biggest Pokémaniacs will get the most out of the experience.
...Those who have never played MK11 before can purchase the base game, the Kombat Pack and Aftermath for $59.99. This is an absolute steal for what may be the best fighting game of the generation. Aftermath reinvigorated Mortal Kombat 11 in such a way I can’t help but not recommend it.
Doom Eternal is an intense journey. The smart changes to the combat, new emphasis on exploration, bombastic new toys to play around with, and overall beautiful sheen of bloody paint make it a marvel to behold. When Doom (2016) originally came out, it was heralded as one of the best first person shooters in the last decade. And yet Eternal tops it in every single way.
To sum up the 10th anniversary edition of Bayonetta, it’s the same classic from the last generation. The performance boost doesn’t only help the game look better, but play better as well, even if its showing its age. If you double or triple dipped before, there isn’t a real reason to play the game again. But if you are a true collector or you never experienced Bayonetta before, this is the version to get.
I genuinely feel bad for Tokyo Ghoul fans. There is a lot of potential within the franchise to provide a violent and stylish action game. The Subsistence mode especially has glimmers of potential lurking. Unfortunately, the clunky combat, shoddy presentation and bland visuals make it a chore to play.
The introduction of the Wild Area, while far from perfect, could be the genesis of something truly ambitious for the franchise. As it stands, even if it relies on old tropes, Sword and Shield improves in the areas that are the most important. There isn’t a better time to embark on an adventure and catch them all once more.
Luigi always lived in the shadow of his big brother, but even if he's a bit scared of this shadow, there is nothing scary about playing Luigi's Mansion 3.
It definitely controls better than the original game, but when the foundation was rocky to begin with, there wasn't much that Sega could've done to save this one.
Borderlands 3 makes some smart improvements over its foundations. A vast variety of weapons, tighter controls, fast-travel and other quality of life improvements make it the definitive installment.