Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Alliance isn’t a bad game, but it does feel insubstantial at the moment. The lack of character development, plot or world-building will probably turn away hardcore D&D fans. As for the fans of multiplayer action games, while the core of the experience is fairly solid, the lack of technical polish, repetitive structure and unexciting loot system will likely not satisfy for long. Hopefully over time, patches and additional content can flesh out the experience and make it the rollicking fantasy hack and slash multiplayer funfest it has the potential to be. Just make sure you don’t forget to bring a friend or three.
Backbone is full of potential for greatness and makes a terrific first impression. With its compelling lead and supporting cast, and a fascinating setting full of tantalising lore and mysteries to solve, I spent most of my experience excited to find out where it was all leading. Unfortunately, much of the detective gameplay and plot start to come apart by the end, leading to an oddly inconclusive and unsatisfying conclusion.
From its charming animations and characters, fun weapons and catchy soundtrack, it’s hard to not have a good experience during the game’s short runtime. However, it does start to drag a bit by the end, and it may have been more fun with the addition of co-op. That all said, Mighty Goose is a great little burst of shoot ’em up arcade goodness, and succeeds at bringing that old style of game into the modern era.
I have played many online multiplayer games in my time, but Knockout City has made a better first impression than most. With its easy-to-understand mechanics, along with the complex mind games involved in almost any interaction, it is very satisfying for quick play sessions. Despite some technical issues and a lack of single-player content and diverse game modes, what is there at launch is a lot of fun so far.
Judging the game by the experience as it is now, I certainly had a good time with it, particularly when I could find a party to play with. However, if you’re only intending to play solo and want a good sci-fi cover shooter, the experience will eventually wear out its welcome as you hit the endgame.
There were high expectations with Monster Hunter Rise, following World’s success and returning to a more portable console. Fortunately, Rise has taken note of the franchise’s most successful elements, and refined them into the best Monster Hunter yet. By continuing the streamlining that Generations and World started, Rise has focused on making the actual hunting the most engaging it has ever been.
Overall, Rogue Heroes: Ruins of Tasos may be a few more bug patches away from a solid recommendation. However, if you want an enjoyable Zelda-esque title to play with your friends, it is certainly one to keep an eye on.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is an excellent case for why Nintendo should be porting more Wii U games to the Switch. With its improved presentation and the convenience of the Switch, this is definitely the optimal way to play Super Mario 3D World, even without much in the way of new features. Bowser’s Fury is also an excellent open-world Mario mini-adventure, which is probably worth the price of admission on its own. Admittedly, the multiplayer features some camera issues, particularly in Bowser’s Fury. However, that should not stop Mario fans of all ages from checking out Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, especially if they missed out on this much loved platformer the first time around.
It is kind of a tough sell to hardcore Worms fans, but it ultimately works quite well. Worms Rumble is a more fast-paced variety of Battle Royale, with a Deathmatch mode thrown in for those who want a more conventional multiplayer experience. The experience is quite a lot of fun, at least for a few hours until the repetition sets in.
Nearing the end of an undeniably stressful year, the sheer adorableness and relaxing charm of Sackboy: A Big Adventure is exactly what I needed.
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.