After spending some intimate time with Necromunda: Hired Gun, I can only describe the game as incredibly average. Its really flawed and fun parts cancel each other out in a near-perfect way leading to one of the most middling experiences I've had this year. However, if you're a Doom loyalist and enjoy the FPS genre, there is some fun to be had with this mixed bag of a game regardless.
Regardless of the missing multiplayer, the collection is still arguably the best way to play these classics, especially if you own a high-end console. If you haven’t had a chance to check out Ryu Hayabusa’s grand adventures, this is the collection for you.
While there isn't much of an incentive to play the game outside its online modes, Virtua Fighter 5 still does what it does quite well, and with a much-needed updated version now available to a newer generation, more players can now appreciate this stellar classic.
Overall, besides the fun powers and intriguing world-building, I have to admit that Outriders isn't anything special to me as it doesn't do much to differentiate itself from other titans of the looter shooter genre. However, if you like sick powers and loot, then Outriders was made for you.
Disco Elysium - The Final Cut is an incredible narrative experience with deep and intricate systems. While the port has a few bugs that need working out it is still objectively the best way to play the game.
Atelier Ryza 2 is a good looking and highly entertaining game once you get past its snail paced narrative and complicated mechanics.
All in all, I enjoyed my time with the game almost more than I did with the first. The sequel really makes you think about this strange world where everyone's a monster except these kids who've been stripped of their innocent due to their unjust and cruel fate. I also can't help but think of what other characters other than Mono and Six may be out there fighting their own battles, so I really hope we get to see more of this hauntingly beautiful world Tarsier Studios has brought to life. So if you're a fan of the first game or even have a mild interest in the series, I can't recommend both games enough.
Chronos: Before the Ashes is a tough game to recommend to Remnant fans due to its comparatively flawed combat system and less amount of content overall. Nevertheless, I still believe that while the game does not live up to its full potential, it still has just enough charm to be worth at least a try for hardcore fans of the action-RPG genre.
Despite its cryptic storytelling and repetitive gameplay, Shady Part of Me is a game that deserves to be played and experienced especially by puzzler fans.
All in all, the Serious Sam Collection is a brilliant bundle of nostalgic fun. While the simplistic gameplay, and the endless hordes of enemies might be exhausting and even repetitive to some, it is still a well-functioning blast to playthrough and a must-have, especially for fans of the genre.
It’s really a pity, as I believe if Twin Mirror had a lot more development time and a bigger budget to refine and flesh out its story, it would have been a great narrative murder mystery to rival Life is Strange. This isn’t to say I hated my time with the game. I still enjoyed the world, characters, and especially its overall central premise, which I found to be less grandiose and more grounded. Unfortunately, the short length, rushed plot, and presentation issues bring it down a bit.
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age is a highly enjoyable game that screams 'high quality production.' Despite its lack of gameplay innovation it still provides a certain level of enjoyment most JRPGs do not.
Despite the few issues, I enjoyed my time with Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin. The in-depth farming system was relaxing and almost therapeutic, which really goes in its favor.
While the story is unremarkable and the gameplay doesn't provide any innovations to the aged formula, I still very much enjoyed my time with OneeChanbara Origin as it still left me with a satisfying feeling even with the short time I spent with it.
I genuinely wanted to love Broken Porcelain, but sadly the game's many, many issues hold it back from being a proper playable experience, let alone the quality game it could have been.
Overall, I can confidently say Yakuza: Like A Dragon is an impressive new addition to the series with stunning visuals, interesting characters, and an incredibly engaging story. However, the newly introduced gameplay mechanics hold the game back with several balancing issues, and coupled with its vastly different elements, it might be a tough sell for longtime fans of the series.
All in all, Genshin Impact is one of the best RPG titles to release this year. Unfortunately, a stingy gachapon system and nonsensical gameplay restrictions hold it back just a bit. If you can look past that, then you’ll likely have endless hours of fun to experience.
While Little Hope may not be the fright fest some wanted, it's still a fascinating game that's well worth playing once or twice, if you can get over the nonsensical ending.
Robotics;Notes Elite is a highly enjoyable experience to play through. While it isn't perfect, it is perhaps the easiest title to introduce a newcomer to the excellent SciADV series.
Robotics;Notes DaSH includes the same entertaining characters from the first game as well as an engaging plot. However, the experience is often hindered by the inclusion of annoying story beats and a convoluted progression system.