Evolution is an exciting and unique board game with a little bit of everything when it comes to playing solo and competing with others near and far. It’s a great game to add to your library if you’re missing that connection that board games bring when we’re all together.
Bright Memory has so much potential and I am eagerly awaiting Infinite’s release in 2021. Gameplay looks and feels familiar as far as first-person shooters but when it comes to graphics, the Xbox Series S makes it look so good. If you’re looking to kick back after a long day and just want to shoot things up in style, Bright Memory is definitely that game. Granted this is only a taste of what’s to come, its replayability just might hold you over, especially if you’re an achievement hunter looking to boost your Xbox Gamerscore.
The Crown Tundra is a decent DLC, getting straight to the point of catching Pokémon, with Legendaries being the primary focus. There are a lot of familiar faces but the new additions are a sight for sore eyes. Dynamax Adventures is the real winner here and it can be enjoyed by yourself or with friends.
Orangeblood is your simple, run-of-the-mill JRPG that gives you that nostalgic feeling for the games we played growing up.
Overlooking my issue with the narrative for Falcon Age, this single-player roleplaying action game has a pretty decent adventure with a relatable main character. Players will have a blast raising and bonding with their own falcon, and the combat feels very intuitive with the use of different items and snacks that you can feed your falcon. If you’re looking for something different, Falcon Age is definitely a game to add to your library.
Hades is a different experience in the roguelike genre. It blends together a narrative with the mechanics and gameplay of roguelike, dungeon crawling games. With the option to play with different abilities and truly craft your own playstyle, replayability is extremely high. And while death is going to be the norm in this game, you’ll be able to activate God Mode, making this game an enjoyable experience for everyone.
Othercide is a difficult but satisfying and rewarding experience. From the art design to the music to the challenging battles and management, players will get lost in this horror strategy for hours!
Bounty Battle is not the ultimate indie 2D fighter. It’s mediocre at best, with the only saving grace being its cast of familiar characters to freely use in training mode, a dope chiptune soundtrack, and decent simple level design. However, I do believe this 2D fighter has the potential to shine with a little more polish and added features.
Spiritfarer is an amazing management indie game to relax to, all while helping players deal, cope, and reflect on death. The game’s colors are awe-inspiring and the soundtrack immediately puts you at ease. Despite the game’s heavy theme of dealing with death, Spiritfarer is a wonderful game.
As a gamer who loves mobile gaming, not a lot of games keep my interest. I really enjoy Pokémon Cafe Mix because, for the most part, I love Pokemon. I have been a fan of the franchise since its inception in the 90s. Also, I have a love-hate relationship with puzzle games, from not wanting to think but to also strengthen that main muscle we use every day. Cafe Mix creates this relaxing atmosphere that allows me to think out of the box, even if the object of the game is just swirling icons around. It’s great to see the little monsters I have grown up with, in another capacity other than battling. And what better way to experience that, in making food, something that brings everyone together.
I would spend minutes reading through conversations and cutscenes, falling in love with characters and the lore of each nation and tribe. I wanted more and you do get that from playing the game and progressing through the seasons. But sitting through half-hour to 45 minutes battles just isn’t worth it.
Pokemon Sword and Shield‘s Isle of Armor is groundbreaking but it gets the job done in pulling trainers back into its world. It’s exciting to see the expansion of the Galar Region with new geography and new stories. Pokemon catching may be the selling point of these games but this time around it is the story and level design that shines brightest.
Summer in Mara may have its flaws but it can be overlooked by how beautiful the game looks and how peaceful the game’s soundtrack is. Each character is unique and well crafted, you can tell each one was created with the utmost care. It’s also a bonus that each character has their own personality. You’ll fall in love with characters and enjoy the interactions between them and Koa.
Disintegration is a different and fun game when it comes to mashing two genres together. While the story may be mediocre, it’s characters keep you invested to see the mission through. It’s a shame that load-outs are handed to you and do not promote build diversity, but the gameplay is still a blast
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is an amazingly beautiful game with a great story, coupled with an awesome soundtrack, and cinematics that play out like a movie. There are tons of side quests to keep you busy and level you up, and while there might not be character creation, you can change the way your characters look with different armor pieces and see your style play out in the cutscenes. The characters seem well rounded and are enjoyable, and when it comes to battles, there is never a dull moment due to their roles and abilities. Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive edition is a must-have in your Switch library.
While totally different from Elder Scrolls on your console or PC, The Elder Scrolls: Blades is a lot of fun and feels like it belongs… I was mystified by the energy and joy that Elder Scrolls games bring, despite not being able to explore an open world. The Elder Scrolls: Blades has a little something for everyone, even if you’re looking to just past the time.
Streets of Rage 4 is an amazingly good time for long time fans and new ones alike. You’re immediately pulled into a beautiful and colorful world, with a soundtrack that’s extremely addicting. Whether you’re playing alone or with friends, you’re in for a damn good time!
Grimvalor feels like a well-crafted game that’s a great entry point for gamers new to the Metroidvania genre. Though the plot is meager, the lore is quite interesting as you traverse Grimvalor‘s corrupted world. The game’s soundtrack and everchanging environments sink its fangs into you, keeping you invested. The simplistic gameplay evolves, furthering the “easy to pick up but hard to master” theme for a Metroidvania. Grimvalor has a little something for everyone.
Despite its flaws, Element Space is fun. Although barebones on features, getting straight to the point isn’t a bad thing. Jumping from character interaction, revealing more of the story, and duking it out on awesome handcrafted maps may be monotonous but the memorized pace is very welcomed. If you like Mass Effect and X-COM vibes, Element Space is right up your alley!
Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales is a gorgeously crafted game and has something for different types of gamers. The game has three difficulties, perfect for those who want to play normally, want a brutal challenge, or just simply explore and enjoy the story.