OlliOlli2: XL Edition is the best version of Roll7's stellar skateboarding game, although just by a smidge. The addition of manuals to the core game is a huge boost to the trick system, and makes it possible to combo every single level from start to finish.
If you missed out on Not A Hero elsewhere, then this is the version to get.
Shadow of the Beast is a solid revival of an underappreciated part of gaming history. It's great to see it exposed to a new audience over 20 years later as it provides a brief, yet exciting journey.
Shadwen makes a lot of smart decisions, and I’ll definitely miss its rewind system in other stealth games, but it never fully comes together as a whole. There’s just not enough enemy variety, and the 15-level campaign grows tiresome as the end nears. Throw in one of the most anticlimactic endings in recent memory, and a lot of the initial goodwill is used up. While far from perfect, there’s still enough ambition here for stealth fans to appreciate, but Shadwen isn’t Agent 47.
Defying the odds, id Software has made DOOM not only a relevant series in 2016, but a great one. They've also managed to create three distinct modes that all have their own appeal and feel to them. It's an amazing package, and one that I'll continue to come back to.
I absolutely adore VEV: Viva Ex Vivo‘s concept, which only serves to make me more disappointed in the final release. Exploring these different microscope slides should be exciting, but instead players are left frustrated due to awkward controls and bored by how little there is to do.
While this is easily the best version of Valkyria Chronicles yet, it still doesn't quite live up to its potential.
Unfortunately, MegaTagmension Blanc hides away its best features in its multiplayer mode, and those looking for a strong single player experience will be largely disappointed.
'Shadow Complex Remastered' looks better than ever, but doesn't add much in terms of content. That's fine, though, as the core game holds up as one of the best Metroidvania adventures ever made, and doesn't feel dated at all. First-timers are in for something truly special, while returning players can look forward to experiencing it all again. Just don't expect it to feel new.
There’s a ton of replayability, however, and the game’s trophies reward multiple playthroughs.
After an extremely positive first hour that was tremendously terrifying, Neverending Nightmares wears thin. The gorgeous visuals aren't enough to save the game from its own tedious design, and ultimately I was bored by the time the game ended less than three hours later. There's a lot of interesting ideas, but very few are capitalized on in any captivating way.
Once you begin to pick up its systems, you’ll find a fighting game that has plenty of depth, but makes it easy enough to jump around with its cast of characters.
Corpse Party is a faithful port of the original PC version, but that's not enough when the PSP remake added so much more to the experience. The extra chapters are a nice addition, though, and make it a decent buy for diehard Corpse Party fans. Just don't expect to be scared.
Zen Studios has a knack for creating licensed pinball tables. With this outing, they've managed to capture the feel of Alien while also making three fun pinball tables that will keep you playing for months to come.
Daniel Linssen's The Sun and Moon is a fleshed out version of a really genius idea. While it never strives to become more than just a difficult platformer, it manages to hit all of its marks. If you're looking for something more unique than your average game, then pick it up!
Party Hard is seemingly a patch away from being a much better game. The stealth gameplay is satisfying, but a game can't be this difficult while also being unfair to the player. The technical issues that bring down publisher tinyBuild's latest game are disappointing and really tarnish a solid base.
It’s a beautiful game that needs to be seen, and every single aspect has been designed with care.
While it stumbles in a few areas, Rocketbirds 2: Evolution is still a mostly enjoyable shooter. The levels are large and filled with discoveries, but since there are only 6 of them, it's a pretty short experience. The co-op multiplayer also falls flat, so there's little in terms of replay value here.
Alienation is a solid shooter that halfheartedly ends and then asks players to do it all again. The hooks just aren't there though to make it a game that you want to replay after completing its relatively short campaign.
'Shantae and the Pirate's Curse' is a highly enjoyable platformer that doesn't take any risks. It's almost like comfort food in a way. You know what to expect, and it scratches that particular itch, but it's ultimately empty calories. Hopefully WayForward Technologies will take more chances and innovate with the next entry in the series, 'Shantae: Half-Genie Hero.'