Bloodroots really is an amazing little title that frantically bounces you between frustration and accomplishment in the most entertaining way possible. Its one-shot-kill keeps the action going nonstop, even when you’re the one being taken out, again, and again, and again.
Insomniac did something great in reminding us that the best of games can still just be fun. That doesn’t mean to toss away narrative or to do without seriousness, but that a game doesn’t need to rely on them. PlayStation has been knocking them out of the park this gen, yet somehow Ratchet & Clank finds itself standing a Rift Apart of the competition.
Just like the Marvel Cinematic Universe iteration of the franchise, no one expected anything from this game, from this group of miscast nobodies. This isn’t the Avengers, they aren’t perfect, but that is kinda their thing. All this time, I wanted more Guardians of the Galaxy in me. Who would have thought? Sometimes, I guess it is the B-Sides that make or break an album.
As I said, this is a collage and combination of its parts and period. The true joy of Pixel Ripped 1978 is this combination of its firm grasp of years past, what made them stand out, and its combination of all its ingredients. It isn’t just an homage to a past and fantastic Atari titles; it is a reminder of what it was like to play these. It is the difference between emulating and celebrating. I see you, ARVORE.
Even if you weren’t a 90’s kid, what Arvore has managed to create will still delight any gaming fan in general.
Neversong is an indie in every sense of the word, and in the best sense of the word. It has the serious charm of games that have come before it, yet finds a way to not only stand on its own, but to stand side by side with the Braids, the Limbos, and the Celestes of the world.
Horizon Call of the Mountain is absolutely a must-own, whether you are a carryover fan from Zero Dawn and Forbidden West or not. It is a good Horizon title that introduces you to characters and a story you hope to see more of, mixed inside a fantastic experience that showcases PSVR2 like no other title on the market. Just jump in knowing this is experience first and a game second, albeit a very close second, and not PlayStation’s answer to Half-Life: Alyx.
Switchback VR begins as everything I wanted from a follow-up to Rush of Blood. By the end of the first track, I was sold and ready to sign off on it for anyone interested. Then it slowly took one step back for every two steps forward. Atmosphere is creepy and tense, but it isn’t all that scary. Environment is so fantastic and awe inspiring, but that screen door effect. Graphics and character modeling are outstanding, but those fire effects. Switchback VR is a fantastic game, and you should grab it in case you own a PSVR2, but there is always small “but” hindering it from becoming perfect.
A surprise inclusion into PS VR2’s launch lineup, along with Firewall Ultra’s unfortunate exclusion from, Pavlov is the de facto title to grab if you are looking for a true multiplayer FPS on PS VR2. Even if it weren’t, Pavlov stands on its own two feet, as a highly competent entry (or re-entry) for anyone looking for a competitive shooter experience. If you were wanting and quick paced arcade shooter, Pavlov might feel like a baptism by fire, but it quickly translates for fans of both simulation and arcade.
Crossfire Sierra Squad stands out for all the reasons it may push you away; its PvE missions focus, its sim/arcade hybrid mechanics, and its separation of acts into individual helpings. I’m sure it’s me, I’m sure I am the exception and not the rule, but if reading this, you get a sense that you may also be an exception, then you should have a great time in Smilegate’s world.
Paper Beast is a tranquil meditative walking sim that requires problem solving to move forward. You don’t learn about the world by scanning objects, but more live in the world by interacting with its paper inhabitants. It overcomes some awkward mechanics to slowly take you from curiosity and wonder to truly sensing and even caring for the life of the world.
Moving Out is a whimsical and absurdly hysterical game at times. Although it fails to deliver when you’re playing by yourself, it otherwise shines by focusing on the fun while finding smart detours around the frustration. Fans of same-screen co-op should definitely be moving on to Moving Out.
There is no reason not to visit this delightful world. Whether you focus on catching every single bugsnax available or mixing it with the mystery, wit, boss fights, charm and an overall system that appeals to adults while accessible to kids, it is a treat. Bugsnax is an excellent entry point to story driven narrative adventures.
If you are a fan of Warhammer’s fantasy universe, then there is a lot to enjoy. If you just need more isometric loot slashers in your life, then you can’t go wrong. But even with that, I just kept thinking, “I could be playing Diablo right now.”
2MD VR Football Unleashed All-Star is not meant to replace Madden. However, it is so confident in the experience it is, they put it right there in the title. You aren’t going to spend two hours in the game, playing through an entire season, nor are you meant to. But two minutes? Two minutes to become a legend? Two minutes to become a football all-star? Yeah. I’ll take that. You aren’t going to stop from being in the zone, staying loose on your toes, using your hand to wave your WR open, pump faking, nothing that is actually a move inside the game, and that’s ok.
Covert is a great little heist adventure if you are a fan of couch co-op titles and have family or friends nearby. The often hilarious back and forth interactions are casual enough to include mostly anyone while never devolving the fun into frustrated arguing or finger pointing.
Not the prettiest game on the market: Check. Absolutely needs Quality of Life improvements: Check. Comes complete with a plethora of wonky glitches: Check. However, it finds that sweet spot where the hook just plain works. The reward of leveling and loot, the stress of scanning the treetops when you hear that Preda-purr, and the satisfaction of systematically wiping out an entire fireteam; it all just works.
Marvel’s Avengers does so much right when just being a game, but ultimately fails when trying to be the game Crystal Dynamics wants, which is an obvious Destiny clone.
I can’t say that I disliked A Tale of Paper. In fact, I can very much say that I enjoyed my short experience. I just didn’t get it. I didn’t get the why, I didn’t get the where, I didn’t get the who. It is a solid game that, on paper, just isn’t as memorable as those that have come before it.
Olija never sets out to be more than it is. It plays it safe, delivering an action platformer with a traversal mechanic and never straying too far from what works. But Olija has an undeniable depth of charm and character that some higher budget productions just can’t grasp. Olija is a tale that deserves to be heard at least once.