Wes Fenlon
Star Wars: Squadrons delivers on great dogfighting, even when its campaign doesn't live up to its full potential.
The quest for outrageous items makes Risk of Rain 2 a strong action roguelike, but its unlockable secrets give it that little something extra.
Streets of Rage doesn't do much to innovate, but it's a beautiful brawler with just enough depth to stay engaging through multiple runs.
Clever combat abilities and brutal executions translate Gears of War into a deep, fast-paced strategy game.
Pyre's campaign is repetitive and its combat never quite clicks, but a touching and thoughtful story makes it worth sticking through to the end.
Guardians of the Galaxy's story may eventually get someplace interesting, but it's a poor fit for Telltale's simple quick time events and stiff dialogue sequences.
A by-the-numbers campaign feels stuck in 2006, but multiplayer builds on classic Gears with a great variety of new modes.
A brilliant and rewarding combat system propels a story that never becomes as interesting as it seemingly should.
Telltale's character drama is as strong as ever, but Clementine's boldest dialogue options end up making her more capable than the adults around her.
Smite makes the MOBA more approachable with smart tweaks to the formula and action RPG-inspired combat.