Death Stranding Director's cut is far more accessible than the original game, and maybe a bit too easy when compared with what it was before. If you haven't played or didn't enjoy it the first time around, then these new additions, which are mostly optional, certainly push towards a more action-oriented experience, that might not necessarily be an improvement but definitely adds a bit more fun into the gameplay.
The story is gripping yet I feel all the best twists and surprises happen in the earlier part of the game, with things really slowing down as you progress. But Lost Judgement is a great game with lots of different elements that make it engaging from start to finish.
House of Ashes is definitely the best game in The Dark Pictures Anthology, with major nods to Until Dawn. Although gameplay might have primarily stayed the same, the improved writing and addition of the new camera just show that the series still has room to grow and I'm excited to see what Supermassive Games do next.
Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy is a visually pleasing action-adventure that really captures what fans love about the series and the characters. The gameplay is very linear but the game makes up for that with its great script, cast and accessible gameplay. This will definitely be a fan pleaser no matter what medium you are a fan of.
It is lacking a thorough tutorial at the start of the game which can leave players frustratingly dying a lot really early on. But Skul: The Hero Slayer is a captivating indie game that offers a really challenging experience with plenty of replay value.
Vanguard feels like so much like the previous Call of Duty games and even the WWII setting isn't enough to elevate it. While a strong entry in the franchise, there really isn’t enough here that sets it apart, however, it does feel that much more accessible and what is here has been polished till it shines.
Blue Reflection: Second Light is a nice follow up with a lot of much-needed enhancements. I feel the series is still finding its footing, but currently, it's striking the right balance between a great narrative and engaging gameplay, so I really look forward to where this series can go.
These titles will definitely please old fans who will adore the updated visuals, the Hideaway and tweaks to gameplay, that all make for an improved experience.
Solar Ash does a lot of things right but it still lacks some much-needed depth to make it a complete package. It may have come later than expected but Solar Ash is a hidden gem that shouldn't be missed by gaming enthusiasts.
Sam & Max Beyond Time and Space is a great follow up for the franchise and Skunkape Games have done an amazing job on implementing the much-needed updates without losing any of the originals charm. Die-hard fans will welcome all the obvious and subtle changes that have been made and the release of a new version on the Switch was definitely a great choice to introduce a new generation of fans to the surreal and insane world of Sam & Max.
Life Is Strange: True Colors is an amazing entry into the series, featuring the best location and characters to date. Even though the Nintendo Switch version is visually inferior to other versions, this doesn't sully the experience at all, as the great narrative massively makes up for it.
Windjammers 2 is a great follow up to the original arcade classic and worth the wait. The major improvements to the overall aesthetic are fantastic and a testament to Dotemu's stellar work.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a must-have for fans of the series as it’s an experience like no other. The only downside is that the game could do with a graphical facelift, especially the character models who aren’t anywhere as detailed as they should be.
Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection is visually a great way to experience these two games alongside the great audio, especially for newcomers.
Sifu is a martial arts epic that prides itself on authenticity and realism yet without losing any of the fun and addictive gameplay. It's great to see the lengths that the developer Sloclap have to go to create a genuine experience. Although tough and gruelling at times Sifu can be seen as one of the best martial games on the market that will greatly impress purists of the genre.
The King of Fighters XV is a great comeback for the series in a genre filled with such big titles. SNK has done a great job at creating a complex but accessible fight system that will appeal to old and new audiences.
River City Girls Zero is a charming prequel that fans of the series should add to their collection. However, as the game is almost thirty years old players shouldn’t expect the fast pace action from the more recent games. But nevertheless River City Girls Zero is a fun but tough port that deserves your attention after taking so long to be released outside of Japan.
The Atelier series just keeps getting better and better as the years go on. Koei Tecmo has done a fantastic job at crafting charming games that feel much more accessible than before, to welcome new players, whilst also offering a new experience for fans of the series. Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream is a great way to celebrate the series anniversary.
Chocobo GP is a frantic but fun experience that Final Fantasy Fans will simply adore. It’s a nice surprise for the Nintendo Switch that may have borrowed from other games but still has enough originality to offer a unique experience.
WWE 2K22 is a return to former glory with developers Visual Concepts really paying attention to what didn’t work in 2K20.