Tyler Treese
Despite still struggling to tell a captivating story, Dead or Alive 6 is an improvement in nearly every area from its predecessor.
This is exactly how a retro revival should be done and studios would be wise to take note.
Dirt Rally 2.0 is a great racing game plagued by online connectivity issues and some punishing design choices that keep it from being accessible.
While it’s a bit disappointing that the bulk of the package is just a compilation of already released content, it’s still easy to recommend NieR: Autoamta Game of the YoRHa Edition to anyone that hasn’t already played the best game of 2017
If you haven't played the series before then OlliOlli: Switch Stance is a no-brainer. There's not much reason to return, but the gameplay remains as satisfying as ever.
There isn't much nice to be said about Jump Force. Other than being a crossover title with some pretty special moves, there isn't anything to applaud here. The fighting is repetitive and dull, the infrastructure is more annoying than entertaining, and it's a gigantic disappointment from start to finish. Not only do the franchises represented deserve better than this, but it's an awful way to celebrate the manga giant's 50th anniversary.
Steins;Gate Elite is a fantastic version of 5pb.'s beloved visual novel. Not only do the animated sequences help bring its story to live while players read, but the phone trigger gameplay system has been intelligently streamlined as well.
The latest game in the series takes a detour to New Mexico and riffs on American culture throughout.
In a perfect world, God Eater 3 would have been a leap in quality similar to Monster Hunter World and had been the big coming out party for the series. Sadly, that isn’t the case here at all. Instead, fans got more of the same with little innovation and the extra difficulty feeling more artificial than interesting. All in all, Marvelous’ first attempt at making a new God Eater title is just fine. It won’t wow any new players, nor will it feel like such a departure from what made players fans in the first place.
Staying true to the sport, Monster Energy Supercross 2 provides thrilling racing. However, it's a standard package with little that stands out beyond the riding itself.
You just might have to have an abnormally high tolerance for bugs to fully enjoy it.
The best parts of Cattails are when you're just getting to take in the scenery, hunting some field mice, and then chatting with other cats. There's so much charm in the sprite work and dialogue, so it's all the more disappointing when you're cast into dull combat exchanges simply because a RPG needs fighting. Some variance from the traditional survival game design would've been appreciated, as it stands as a charming survival title that can't quite measure up to the best in the genre. Still, you can do far worse, and who will really complain about getting to be a cat for a while?
If you don't mind paying the extra premium, though, then you'll find a satisfying experience in The Room. Sure, the game isn't quite the innovative title it was in 2012, but the puzzles are still challenging enough to leave the player feeling like they've accomplished something once they finish the epilogue. It's a worthwhile addition to the Switch's library, and fans of other "escape-the-room" titles will get a real kick out of it for the few hours it lasts.
The gravity mechanics are certainly cool to see, but they aren't exactly innovative or game changing enough to overcome the shortcomings after the initial allure wears off.
Much like its 1993 predecessor Mutant League Football, the game is a very clear variation upon the established Madden formula. The main differences come in the form of how Mutant Football League embraces the core violence of contact sports.
Soulblight is a largely disappointing experience. Hopefully My Next Games can take what works here (namely the morality-based systems) and apply it to a future effort, but this current action game isn't enjoyable in the slightest. It doesn't bring anything new to the genre, and isn't polished enough to stand besides the better offerings already available.
Starlink: Battle for Atlas is really a title that begs for a sequel. As a proof of concept, it's an absolute success
If there's one takeaway to be had from the Capcom Beat 'Em Up Bundle, it's that genre-themed compilations aren't the best way to repackage these classic titles.
Path of Motus is proof of the very concepts it preaches throughout.
While the Nintendo Switch version of the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy may not look quite as dazzling as its counterparts, there's no denying that it's bolstered by being available on a portable system.