Jonathan Toyad
Flynn: Son of Crimson might fly under the radar for most gamers, but this is one 2D action platforming indie title you should not miss out on.
Any game that tosses in a lovely homage to 90s wrestling via its medieval arena combat portions is at least worth your good attention.
For a series that has been around for 30+ years, [Tales of Arise] should have at least taken cues from older JRPGs and just do with a major overhaul and shaking up. As it stands, JRPG fans will just have to settle with an alright-if-not-that-perfect experience.
Deathloop is a treasure you need to experience. That said, it may not be for everyone who wants a conventional shooter experience.
Outside of [technical issues & weird platforming physics], Sonic Colors Ultimate is a nice mix of 3D Sonic gameplay that stems from the Dreamcast era and 2D classic platforming that put him on the map in the first place.
I love the messaging and narrative of The Artful Escape. But as a game, it’s just a few steps above being a vapid walking simulator. Still, you shouldn’t miss out on this gem of a tale featuring space trips and sick riffs.
Long story short, this is the sequel Psychonaut fans deserve.
If it weren’t for [its controls] -the most important thing to nail in the genre- Greak would have been a top tier 2D platformer. As for now, it has to settle for the bronze medal for its art and ingenious idea of making platforming and puzzle segments using a trio of heroes.
Grime is a very unique-looking game set in a weird-as-hell creationist-themed world that’s sure to be divisive among gamers. It has some fun rock-solid moments, but the game is clearly trying to be Dark Souls with 2D and platforming when it should have just emulated how other 2D hardcore titles like the Ori series handle difficulty and fairness.
If you’re looking for a good JRPG to sink your free time and hours into, Neo The World Ends With You is definitely a good choice. There’s nothing completely groundbreaking or innovative about the game, but the stylish visuals, music and gameplay will leave you dropping a beat.
For [US$20] or so, you’ll have a jolly neon-filled dystopian-blasting old time with The Ascent. Just don’t expect a grandeur tale ala Cyberpunk 2077, though you’ll have a meatier action RPG experience.
Eldest Souls, while derivatively named, is a ball of a time that’s catered specifically towards hardcore action game fans who want strict controls and an actual challenge.
[...] you could do a whole lot worse than with Aluna’s competently average action RPG offerings.
Veterans of beat-em-ups like myself are going to eat this up really quick thanks to the new characters and Survival Mode. If you’re new to Streets of Rage 4 and need more replayability after the initial 12-stage run, the DLC will add more hours to your playtime. [...] Simply put: it’ll be a crime not to buy this add-on at its current US$8 price tag.
Book us a first-class train seat for a trip to this particular nexus. This sci-fi anime-laced RPG odyssey is a triumph.
D&D: Dark Alliance is a case for people to hop on board to play the analog role-playing game it’s based on. This video game is so goddamn boring, infuriating, and repetitive, it’ll make you appreciate the intricacies of a live RPG session.
Long story short, Chicory embodies the one major word that keeps us going: hope. All wrapped up in a charming title.
Even if the game's full package is still missing a few things, you can't go wrong with this generation's new anime fighting game title. If you're new to fighting games, Guilty Gear Strive is a must-play.
[Despite the repetition & lack of level variety], I’d still recommend Stonefly if you’re looking for a fun and “chillaxing” game; it’s beautiful to look at and listen to, and it’s fun to play a nimble and agile flight-capable mecha that isn’t from an anime for once.
For you retro gamers and 2D shmup fans longing for an arcade challenge, you should goose-step up to the challenge.