Armored Core VI is a solid return for one of From Software’s long-dormant franchises. It still carries many of the mech genre’s old contrivances, like its generic mission structure and predictable plot. However, it modernizes mech action meaningfully to introduce it to a new generation. While legacy fans may have some complaints about the “casualization” of Armored Core, I am ultimately glad the series is back and firing on all cylinders.
Atomic Heart is a good game on its own merits. The fun and frantic gunplay, outstanding visual design, and intricate level of detail in its world amount to an experience worth your time. On the other hand, it could have been so much more. The story and characters simply don’t do justice to the game’s thought-provoking premise, and some better writing would have done wonders. Despite that, Atomic Heart is still an exciting and memorable first outing from Mundfish.
Crisis Core Final Fantasy 7 Reunion still has its place in the hearts of many veterans of the series and Final Fantasy 7's world, and maintains its relevance to the FF7 Remake series. However, the original Crisis Core also received a lot of justified criticism, and Reunion doesn't do much to address those points.
It might be easy to say that Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series is simply a pair of remastered games that can't compare to more modern platformers, but that's only half-true. Although their relatively low sales and cult status meant that the formula wasn't really given the chance to evolve, almost anyone can still jump into these games and have a good time. The lack of meaningful new content on par with Klonoa's Wii remake from 2008 is disappointing, but the content that is here is still worthwhile. Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series is a nice offering to underserviced fans, and can also be a good package for newcomers - or even people who are picking up a platformer for the first time.
DNF Duel adds and subtracts from a variety of fighting game mechanics to create something strangely unique, fundamentally simple, and undeniably fun.
Haven is a game that really shines.
Thrilling combat, but not always graceful.
Curse of the Moon 2 is bigger and better.
Desperados III is a masterclass in real-time tactics, full of clever challenges, countless possibilities, and old inconveniences of the genre.
Panzer Dragoon Remake is a cool piece of nostalgia for old fans, but it shows its age with its short length, outmoded gameplay and meager content.
In Other Waters is a poignant message of environmentalism mixed with a calming and distinctive aesthetic, but it's sometimes a chore to play.
Granblue Fantasy: Versus is a fun, flashy and accessible fighting game, but it's weighed down by sparse content and questionable DLC.
Moon Studios has outdone itself with Ori and the Will of the Wisps, which surpasses its prequel to become one of the best Metroidvanias out there.
Katrielle's adventure is one of the weaker entries in the Layton series, but it's still a decent low-stakes puzzler for Nintendo Switch owners.
Overwatch is still a great game at its core, but unfortunately, the Nintendo Switch version is a categorically subpar way to play it.
Even with its dumb jokes and insubstantial puzzles, AI: The Somnium Files is an engrossing mystery that twists and turns in ever-exciting directions.
Despite its graphical compromises, Frostpunk: Console Edition is an excellent way to experience one of the best games of last year.
Indivisible is a lovingly-made game with an exciting combat system and an enchanting world, but stiff platforming and other rough spots hold it back.
Untitled Goose Game is an endearing and enjoyable combination of stealth, slapstick, and sandbox, but it ends before it can truly spread its wings.
Blasphemous is a perfectly competent "Souls-like" game, but while it's high on stark beauty and vicious violence, it comes up short on substance.