Scott Baird
The Age of Calamity has befallen Hyrule.
Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition looks incredible!
The Xbox Series X version of Dragon Quest XI S has all of the content of the Switch port, with the graphics cleaned up and the framerate brought to an almost constant 60fps. The game has never looked prettier, and load screens are almost nonexistent, thanks to the Xbox Series X's internal SSD. This is the definitive Dragon Quest XI experience, and even people who played the original version of the game should check it out, as the new content and QoL improvements make the experience feel fresh again. Dragon Quest XI S is an updated version of one of the finest games of the previous generation, and it's free on Game Pass, so Xbox fans have no reason not to check it out for themselves.
Collection of SaGa Final Fantasy Legend is antiquated.
Super Meat Boy Forever is bad.
Tadpole Treble Encore is strange and lovely.
The Medium is a psychological horror game that is set across two worlds, but it doesn't quite live up to the potential of its gameplay features.
Sword Of The Necromancer wastes its one gimmick.
Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Earthblood feels old.
Heaven Dust is a retro survival horror game.
Marvel's Avengers has hit PS5.
This is the game that the Monster Hunter franchise should have been all along. The annoying parts of the experience that were retained due to tradition have finally been stripped away, leaving a polished, enjoyable experience for newcomers that will make long-time fans equally happy. Monster Hunter Rise is Monster Hunter at its finest.
Before Your Eyes is a difficult game to discuss, as so much of its appeal comes from reveals that would spoil the story. The game offers a truly unique experience that utilizes the medium of the video game perfectly to enhance its story. The technical flaws are frustrating, but they're likely impossible to avoid in a game like this, and people who can overlook the control issues will find a phenomenal story about life and death as seen through the eyes of another.
What The Dub?! is an enjoyable party game that is great for giving everyone a chance to show off their comedic chops. The game wears its inspiration on its sleeve, but that doesn't matter, as there is plenty of room for titles with fresh ideas. The lack of variety is an issue, but that's offset by its low price. What The Dub?! is a great game to break out with friends to have a few laughs, even when playing online.
Returnal is a brutally difficult roguelite shooter.
SMT III Nocturne HD is one of the hardest games in the Shin Megami Tensei series, which is no small boast, considering how challenging the other entries can be. The remaster could have been improved with some extra QoL features to make the game less frustrating, but the core experience is still great on its own. Shin Megami Tensei III Nocturne HD Remaster is difficult but rewarding, and its strategic combat system, legions of demon allies, engaging story, and its unique world make it worth coming back to after all of these years.
Wonder Boy - Asha In Monster World is a polished port.
Edge of Eternity is an ambitious game, but it doesn't quite live up to its scope. The game feels like a homage to the classic Final Fantasy games of old, but its enchanting world is let down by the lackluster events happening on its surface. The combat system and character customization are well-done, but they don't matter if there isn't a good reason to keep moving forward. While JRPG fans will likely find enough to like that its worth giving Edge of Eternity a shot, other players should seek more engaging options within the same genre.
Ender Lilies doesn't do anything particularly new or inventive, but it doesn't need to. This is a game that knows exactly what it is and what it's setting out to do. This is a fantastic Metroidvania that will scratch the itch of anyone looking to slowly peel away at the secrets of a huge game world, and it stays fun every step of the way, even if a few of those steps are on less surer footing when it comes to enemy variation or attack animation implementation.
Legend of Mana is an experimental game, with lots of ideas and concepts mixed together in one product. The lack of a proper tutorial, as well as a number of smaller annoyances, make it an overall frustrating experience. There are some interesting and fun moments in Legend of Mana, but they can get lost in a product that tries to do too many things at once.