I still feel like Immortal Realms: Vampire Wars has some potential behind its flaws. The idea of a more streamlined strategy game, with less of a resource management and empire-building focus, is something that could be appealing for newcomers to the strategy genre. However, its huge maps and clunky combat drag the experience down. Furthermore, without multiplayer or a map editor, there is not really much more to the experience than the campaign, which is only somewhat engaging. Immortal Realms: Vampire Wars certainly has enjoyable elements, but feels difficult to recommend to fans of the strategy genre.
Pathfinder: Kingmaker Definitive Edition, as a console port, works impressively well. Despite some cumbersome menus, it makes the transition from mouse and keyboard to controller without losing its complexity. Combined with the substantial amount of added content, Pathfinder: Kingmaker Definitive Edition is quite an easy recommend for any fan of Baldur’s Gate, Pillars of Eternity or similar RPGs. It won’t hold your hand, even on Easy, but if you’re looking for an adventure to become immersed in, Pathfinder: Kingmaker Definitive Edition could be the game you’ve been looking for.
Skully is certainly imperfect, but there is a strong core for Finish Line Games to build upon. The narrative and characters really had an emotional impact by the end, and the game’s setting is quite beautiful for the most part. While some of its platforming and puzzle-based challenges can annoy at times, overall, Skully is a fun ride if you’re looking for short, yet impactful, experience.
Spongebob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom Rehydrated isn’t particularly revolutionary, but it is a lot of fun.
Xenoblade Chronicles has finally found its true home. With myriad small improvements and the portability of the Switch, Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is the best version of the game yet.
There are certainly worse roguelike shooters on the market, but HyperParasite still needs some polish.
...somewhat tedious endgame dungeons and overall repetitive dungeon-crawling probably won’t win over anyone who has previously not found the spin-off series compelling.
Platinum Games’ Bayonetta & Vanquish 10th Anniversary Bundle is amazingly good value. While you will probably get more bang for your buck with Bayonetta, both are fantastic action games that hold up very well today. Sure, some gameplay features and plot aspects have not aged all that well over the last decade. However, if you are even a passing fan of action games, this bundle is a great way to experience how the company started.
Coffee Talk is relaxing, caffeine-flavoured take on the visual novel genre. With a fun and appealing cast, and a smooth soundtrack to go with it, Coffee Talk is a hard game to dislike. While you may want to catch up on your coffee knowledge before diving in, if you’re looking for an experience that is a bit less demanding and more on the casual side, Coffee Talk is definitely worth your consideration.
Despite lingering technical hiccups and some underwhelming storytelling decisions, Ghostbusters: The Video Game is worth checking out for any fan of the franchise.