"The denizens of Deus Ex : The Fall need to learn to memorize their pass codes without first emailing them to everyone they know."
More than two years after its launch, Sea of Thieves has improved in countless ways.
Farpoint is more than a proof of concept or another tech demo for virtual reality. Despite its predictable and unsatisfying story and hard-to-ignore bugs, it's a full-fledged sci-fi shooter that feels fantastic to play with Sony's high-quality PSVR Aim Controller (and slightly awkward without it). Several smart control options and design choices cater to a variety of different types of players, and the gunplay is second to none in VR. If I were to recommend one shooter to a PSVR owner, this would be it.
No game is better than Outlast 2 at making you feel helpless, alone and terrified.
Full Throttle Remastered mostly succeeds on two fronts: As a fresh way to revisit an old classic, and as the ideal entry point for players who haven't yet smacked rival bikers with a two-by-four on the Mine Road or figured out the combination to Old Man Corley's safe. There are a couple of sticking points for both old and new players, including some technical issues and (especially for the latter) that questionable "adventure game logic" which is anything but logical. Nevertheless, there's never been a better time to hit the open road with Ben and his gang.
With a look this distinctive, Drawn to Death could have hit the ground running. But as a decent shooter it merely limps, thanks to a number of unfortunate design choices, a lack of options, and rampant bugs. Intricate levels, varied weapons and unique characters may have looked good on paper, but any positives Drawn to Death has get scribbled over and obscured by the constant barrage of un-funny abuse it insists on endlessly spewing in your face.
'Persona 5' proves that there's still room for an epic, 100-hour RPG
This is the best version of Shovel Knight yet, and Treasure Trove is the most complete package. In addition to piling ever more new features on top of the original, Yacht Club has improved on Shovel Knight in nearly every way with the Specter of Torment expansion. From the story and writing to the simple fluidness of platforming and combat, Specter Knight is an excellent new step for the series.
'Halo Wars 2' isn't a great competitive strategy game, but it's an enjoyable take on Halo.
Nioh is a shockingly well-made game considering its troubled development history. It builds on the foundation laid by Dark Souls in interesting ways, while adding its own narrative and mechanical flavors. And though it can be punishingly difficult, it also gives you ample tools with which to overcome its challenges, leaving you feeling empowered in the end.
Gravity Rush 2 is a surprisingly massive and extremely beautiful Japanese action RPG that stands tall despite its flaws.
Dead Rising 4’s raw zombie carnage impresses, but its story and technical problems leave it dead on arrival.
For the first time in years, the newest Pokémon games find a flavor all their own.
'Gears of War 4' features fresh takes on some modes, but plays it safe for others.
Bloodborne is a significant evolution of the Souls series, but it comes with some new problems too.
Dying Light can be great, but it doesn't understand its own strengths.
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is a massively improved version of an already great game that's filled to the brim with horrifying and disgusting imagery.
Lords of the Fallen plays fast and loose with the established ideas of better games, but the results don't suck.
Dark Souls II desperately needed Ivory King's detailed frozen wasteland.
Gauntlet is just as chaotic as its predecessors, but more refined and less haphazard too.