Tyler Treese
Nights of Azure has an impressive story that is brought down by disappointing gameplay. Those looking for a simple action title will be rewarded with a surprisingly mature story, but the combat is too repetitive to really impress.
Long time veterans will have a few minor gripes with TrackMania Turbo, but it's the perfect experience for those new to the series.
If you’re willing to put up with the difficulty, you will find some stuff to really like about McDROID. It has a fantastic art style, and the planet is always interesting to look at.
With Catlateral Damage, Chris Chung has created an adorable game that is sadly lacking any real substance. You'll have fun for the first hour or so, but will get tired of the same old formula rather quickly, and find little reason to return.
Ska Studios have done a fabulous job with Salt and Sanctuary, as the transition to 2D has created a more accessible game while also retaining all of the depth.
Day of the Tentacle Remastered isn't just a simple port, it's also an amazing achievement in its own right. The new visuals are gorgeous, and the gameplay has been updated to be streamlined, yet still stay true to the original. Double Fine have outdone themselves here.
It's not great, but Senran Kagura Estival Versus offers up some low brow fun in multiplayer. Poor level design kills the single player experience, though.
It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but Mutant Mudds Super Challenge is some of the finest platforming you can buy. It's a highly polished package that will test your mettle as a gamer.
It's no surprise that Pokkén Tournament is good, but it is surprising that it feels so unique. It's a refreshing face in the fighting genre, and offers up a ton of fun.
These grappling exchanges typically end up being intense affairs that go down to the wire before someone either escapes or taps out like Mystic Mac.
That's just one of the many things that make The ABC Murders feel unpolished and a bit rough around the edges.
Koei Tecmo isn't reinventing the wheel here, and that's fine. Samurai Warriors 4 Empires is yet another enjoyable entry into the musou genre, and one that brings a few neat twists on strategy. It won't leave you amazed, but you'll have a good time.
This is a shining example of how a re-release should be handled, and Moon Studios has raised the bar by adding meaningful content that improves both the narrative and gameplay.
Android Assault Cactus is a complete blast. While a lengthier campaign would've made it even better, there's still a ton of fun to be had in this quirky shooter.
Disney Interactive's latest game isn't a substitute for Tron 3, but it sure is fun while it lasts.
XBlaze Code: Embryo is largely untouched from the original console versions, which is a major disappointment considering it's now on PC. Not only is it lacking basic options that are expected in a PC release, but the same flaws are also apparent.
Hitman GO has made a fantastic transition to consoles. With the added ability to earn trophies and having all of the DLC in one package, there is no doubt that the definitive edition is appropriately named.
While it's a pretty simple strategy game, so don't expect the satisfaction that you get from Fire Emblem or Disgaea from these battles, there are some new touches that add some much needed depth to the formula.
Bike Mayhem 2 is the opposite of going mountain bike riding. There's no exhilaration to be had, just boredom, as the game never seems to end. The uphill climb is littered with free-to-play aspects that would be barely tolerable on mobile, let alone on a console where players paid money to play. Sadly, there is no payoff for aspiring bikers, and this is one downloadable title that is better off in the dirt.
While not innovative, Arslan: The Warriors of Legend manages to be yet another well crafted musou from Omega Force. It might not have the depth of others entries gameplay wise, but the narrative is compelling enough to keep players entertained.