Mark O'Callaghan
Darksiders II Deathinitive Edition is a good offering for any fan longing to return to the Darksiders world. It's also a great introduction to the long-running series for newcomers. The visuals and frame rate were updated so well that it makes the excitement of having a new Darksiders game in the future that much more thrilling. However, the biggest issue with this otherwise gorgeous remaster is that the camera and controls are incredibly outdated. Worse, they're completely unresponsive in parts. A couple of bugs also crashed the game, and can force the player to restart from their last save point. That being said, anyone who wants to dive into this world and can endure these frustrating setbacks should still give this remaster a shot. Darksiders II Deathinitive Edition is a fun opportunity to get into this beautiful post-apocalyptic world.
Silent Hill 2 Remake is a sublime masterpiece that will leave any player shaking with some of the scariest moments in gaming history. The remake's updates plus modernized visuals and controls make even something as old as Silent Hill 2 feel like it came from this generation. If any player gets the chance, then play this game with headphones. The audio design is some of the best ever heard in recent memory, as the little sounds and scratches make walking through a hallway even more disturbing than the actual monsters. Fans of the original game are justifiably skeptical, but this remake deserves a chance. Silent Hill 2 Remake should be gamers' top choice to play during this year's spooky season, and for those who want to experience the full potential of today's remakes.
Backyard Baseball ‘97 is a fun game that'll attract any baseball fan, especially if they played the original. The cast of characters are the remaster's real MVP, as each kid is memorable and leaves an impact. While the mechanics are pretty simple, there’s a little more depth than players might think. It may take some time for newcomers to adjust to the game's old-school pace and speed, but it works charmingly for those who grew up in that era. Backyard Baseball ‘97 is a fun, casual game that will scratch that baseball itch.
The Plucky Squire is, ultimately, an indie game that hearkens a lot of nostalgic feelings from previous generations. The blend of The Legend of Zelda's classic gameplay with the Paper Mario style of storytelling and characters is a pitch-perfect combo. Then, to pay homage to more modern 3D platforming, Jot going outside the book to traverse the desk makes for a great set piece. It's a testament to this game's fun and ingenuity that a few minor bumps along the way barely affect its overall quality and lasting impact. If any gamer is still on the fence about The Plucky Squire, ditch the hesitation and play this game right now.
However, the gameplay sours this otherwise heartwarming and nostalgic experience. Controlling the babies is frustrating, and it's made worse by the fact that the player is forced to navigate through unforgiving stages. Unless someone is a massive Rugrats fan, Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland is a game that can be skipped. For now, it's better to either watch playthroughs online, or just revisit the classic cartoon from the very beginning.
At worst, shortcomings like the lukewarm new abilities and the glaring absence of voice acting limit the remake from reaching its true potential. If anything, these missteps speak more to the game's missed opportunities than a supposed lack of quality.
From PlayStation references to charming interactions with other Bots, there’s a treat on every level. It’s wild to think that Sony finally has a platformer that rivals the excellent 3D Super Mario Games, but Team Asobi really did it. Don’t miss out on one of the best platforming experiences in gaming history with Astro Bot.
Astro's Playroom is too good to be true. It's a fun platformer with some of the best controls and is accessible to everyone who owns a PlayStation 5. With an experience like this, it's no wonder that Astro Bot has a devoted following so much that a full-length game is coming soon. If you haven't played this gem, enjoy the pinnacle PS5 experience.
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy is the redemption that Square Enix needs. This game is a fantastic single player journey that britantly shows off the Guardians in action. If you were burned by Marvel’s Avengers, this game might heal those old wounds.
With its in-depth customization, modes you can pour hours into, and online play with friends, MLB The Show 20 is a home run for fans.