Sonic Mania Plus almost perfectly encapsulates what made the original Sega Genesis and CD games so much fun while updating the style so that it feels fresh and new.
Killing Floor: Incursion hits PSVR just a bit late in a lot of ways. It's arrival comes months after the PC release, which already felt pretty derivative of other VR shooters out there. If you're a fan of the property then the game might offer enough to justify a purchase. Otherwise it's just a standard VR shooter that doesn't go far enough to differentiate itself from the crowd.
Murderous Pursuits is a fine continuation of The Ship and the concepts it implemented so well. The core of the game is extremely solid, delivering a fun multiplayer experience throughout every match. The only problem is that there's just not enough here to keep most people coming back on a regular schedule. For the price the amount of content is fine, but the missing potential at launch is tough to get past.
Kirby Star Allies won't bring any new fans to the series. It sticks to the tried-and-true gameplay strictures of the franchise for better and worse. Co-op is nice, and the HD visuals do bring Kirby's world to life in a fresh way, but overall this is a totally by-the-book sequel that adds little of value other than a chance to play another Kirby game.
Batman: The Enemy Within - Episode 5 "Same Stitch" is a near-perfect finale to an already fantastic series. Storytelling, voice acting, art design, and every other aspect of the series has come together here and delivered one of the best episodes in Telltale's history.
Attack on Titan 2 falls prey to the same problems as the first game, but worse. The story is less enjoyable, as it covers very well trodden ground. This feels like a sequel that didn't know what it wanted to be, so it just became a retread of the first game. It's unfortunate, as the first was just fun enough to be a real fan pleaser, but Attack on Titan 2 falls flat where that one soared.
Kerbal Space Program: Making History Expansion is a decent first expansion to the fantastic and expansive game. Offering something for everyone, the DLC provides a set of interesting, but not totally satisfying missions, some new items for the whole of the game, and a mission builder that could become a huge focus of the community going forward.
Frantics fails to live up to its name by featuring an oddly slow pace. Beyond that it's not a fantastic party game experience, full of the same sorts of mini-games seen in past titles within the genre. Still, it works well thanks to the PlayLink functionality that allows you to use a smartphone as a controller. If you're dying for a party game for your PS4, it fits the bill, but there are better options out there.
Shadow of the Colossus is one of the best games of all time and it has now received a truly worthy remake on PS4. There aren't any major shifts in the gameplay or content additions, but the game needed neither. Instead Bluepoint has taken the original classic, upgraded the visuals, and only touched what needed to be touched. Fans will want to have this on day one, and if you've never experienced the magic of Shadow of the Colossus before, this is the way to do it.
The core of Out of Ammo is a decent strategy/shooter hybrid, offering a unique take on both genres. What kills a lot of the fun is the lack of PSVR customization, taking a room scale game and putting it into a much more restrictive space. Once you get past this it will be a decent amount of fun, but the lack of variety does diminish the real value of the game.
Batman: The Enemy Within - Episode 4 "What Ails You" is the weakest episode of this highly regarded series. It's nowhere near a disaster though, still offering a great new Batman tale set within Telltale's interesting splinter universe. The real test of this series will come in its finale, when we see whether these last two episodes of build up end up paying off with something special.
The Red Strings Club is a true cyberpunk classic. Pixel-art visuals and a cyberpunk world make way for fascinating gameplay and a truly compelling, well written story. The game will force you to make tough decisions while questioning your own thoughts about important, current day topics. This is an indie title you won't want to miss.
L.A. Noire: The VR Case File is a bold, inventive, and engaging VR title, marking the first tentative steps into the next step in VR gaming. You'll feel like a true 40's detective, and you'll love every second of it. Being able to drive around a realistic take on LA is just icing on the cake, but it's some pretty sweet icing.
Minecraft: Story Mode Season 2 - Episode 5 doesn't stick the landing, but it also doesn't fall totally on its face. It's a suitable conclusion to the season, but if you haven't bought in yet, there's not much reason to now.
DOOM VFR is Bethesda's second major VR release, but it feels like one that is coming a year too late. Poor controls and odd design decisions detract from what would otherwise be an excellent VR shoote
The Walking Dead: The Telltale Series Collection puts together some of the best stories in video games. This series has changed a lot, but even in its worst times it has always delivered tension and excitement, with characters you can truly care about. Previous owners might struggle to find the value here, but if you've never played these games before then this should be at the top of your Christmas list.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a delightful and fantastic JRPG experience. A long story full of adventure, character, charm, and whimsy will keep you playing for dozens of hours without breaking a sweat.
Skyrim VR is a true revolution in gaming, but it's one that doesn't hit all its goals perfectly. AAA VR gaming is finally here, and it's a real marvel to behold, but it's also doubtful that many players will play this game from start to finish.
Acting more as a transition episode, Batman: The Enemy Within - Episode 3 "Fractured Mask" is another great episode in the series, even if it isn't as fantastic as the first two. The tension is running high here and Telltale's writing is at the top of its game. If the last two episodes can live up to the first three this will easily go down as one of the developer's best.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skryim for Nintendo Switch sells itself on its name alone. It's Skyrim...for Nintendo Switch. Are there some additions? Sure, but nothing that changes that core experience. And that core experience is what you're getting, but with the ability to take it wherever, whenever. If that is worth $60 to you then this is a must-buy.