While the game is perfect for a quick pick-up and play session, I do wish there was more content to unlock and more boards to play on. It's unfortunate since the foundation set here is definitely enjoyable. It may as well be the best spin-off title the series has so far. If you aren't uncomfortable when it comes to the subject matter, maybe you will also enjoy this bumpy ride.
While the narrative has similar beats, the wide cast of eccentric personalities more than makes up for it. The tactical battles of course are still as engaging as ever. If you have never ventured into turn-based strategy games, it doesn't get any better than Fire Emblem: Three Houses.
Just having a one-on-one mind game to see who can punish who first is a lot of fun. Even with its issues, Samurai Shodown is definitely a step in the right direction for the series. If it keeps going at this rate, it can only go up.
It may not be PlatinumGames' finest title, but it's definitely a fun time for any Switch owners looking for their next blood-pumping action title.
While this version isn’t a major step up from the original release four years ago, Yu-Gi-Oh! Legacy of the Duelist: Link Evolution is a perfect match on the Nintendo Switch. Being able to pick up and play a few battles here and there is ideal for handheld play.
For a re-imagining of an arcade classic, BurgerTime Party! is pretty enjoyable. The creative premise, cartoony visuals and multiplayer mayhem are all a part of this multiple course meal.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
...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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.