Despite my misgivings, Madison still offers a respectable evening of frights and is worth a look for fans of psychological horror. It succeeds in building tension and puzzle variety, stumbling when it becomes obsessed with bamboozling players with head-tilting solutions and stopping their hearts with lame jump scares. But when the game hits right, you’ll be glad no one caught the look on your face.
It’s more Cuphead at the end of the day, but I had a great time revisiting Studio MDHR’s wonderful animated universe, testing my mettle against its villains, and feeling fist-pumping triumph all over again.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge gives me what I wanted: a polished, raucously fun throwback that plays better than how I remember the original games. Turtles fans new and old will find plenty to love, but those possessing a nostalgia for this era of the franchise are in for the biggest treat. Invite some friends, order a pizza, and prepare to relive your childhood in the best possible way.
I initially thought that Kao the Kangaroo would, at the very least, be a great recommendation for younger players. Then I remembered that I and generations of kids cut their teeth on games like Mario, Crash Bandicoot, or Ratchet & Clank – kid-friendly platformers that still offer plenty of mechanical depth, polish, and design creativity. Children are much more capable than we sometimes give credit for, and Kao’s by-the-numbers design would likely bore all but the most nascent of gamers. Kao the Kangaroo isn’t a total disaster by any means. It just feels aggressively average and forgettable which, sadly, has been the case for the mascot for years.
There’s still work to be done, but like a retired veteran returning to put on a surprisingly solid match, WWE 2K22 manages to shake off the ring rust and perform better than the naysayers expected.
Windjammers 2 gives existing fans more of the wacky disc hockey they love but not much else.
Solar Ash plays as well as it looks with a strong story at the heart
Bright Memory: Infinite is a stupidly written good time spoiled by a way-too-brief runtime and insultingly abrupt ending
House of Ashes doesn't always land but it can be an exciting "check your brain at the door" thriller. Its largely toothless scares will disappoint horror fanatics while inviting a broader audience
Unsighted boasts engaging gameplay and lore, strong dungeon design, all wrapped around an effective and impactful countdown mechanic
Punching through F.I.S.T. only gets better thanks to its evolving combat. Mapping every inch of the world is an engrossing, good time
Kicking butt in Young Souls is a blast and one of the rare co-op brawlers that is as enjoyable to play solo
Eldest Souls' punishing difficulty may turn off some, but this entertaining and rewarding combat system made me look forward to every titanic face-off
Death's Door presents a compelling world begging to be explored until every secret is found alongside satisfying combat and intriguing lore
Ender Lilies may be standard Metroidvania through and through, but it rises above most of its peers with an engrossing sense of progression and entertaining combat, all presented in a beautiful package
Biomutant has fun moments, but it stumbles in too many significant ways to make it a wholly satisfying experience
Before Your Eyes is much more than a neat gimmick. It offers a wonderful method of interacting with a touching and impactful story that'll stick with you long after the credits roll
Soulstorm has oodles of charm, but tedious design and annoying bugs make an experience that only the most hardcore and forgiving Oddworld fans might enjoy
Narita Boy has more style than it knows what to do with, and that helps carry it past its gameplay flaws
Devotion's powerful atmosphere, frightening sequences, and fascinating story make it a creative and engrossing gauntlet of scares