Sad Cat Studios has finally delivered the game they've been promising for years, and it's every bit as brilliant as I'd hoped. Featuring an incredible tale of what it is to be human, Reach touches hearts and rips some out as he hops and whacks his way across Phoenix City and beyond. This is an Indie Game of the Year contender, no doubt about it.
MOUSE: P.I. For Hire is un-brie-lievable. Somehow, the lofty ambition they presented in 2023 has been surpassed by an excellent release. This spunky noir shooter is exactly the kind of game I wanted, and it's so much fun to play I might just start it again. Don't sleep on MOUSE; this is a premium and ingenious game in an indie package.
Samson: A Tyndalston Story has a good idea behind it, but at present, it doesn't flow together with the gameplay. Combined with a story that only makes the vaguest of sense, I struggled to enjoy myself outside of breaking noses and forcing drivers off the road. There's something here, but more digging will be necessary to uncover it.
Every time I make an impactful choice or uncover a new part of the story or tidbit of lore, I'm reminded why I adore GreedFall. That feeling fades, however, whenever The Dying World pushes me into combat or the tedious build menus. GreedFall: The Dying World is an up and down experience; one that you want to love, but one that doesn't love you back.
God of War Sons of Sparta shines a light on a young Kratos, and to devastating effect. An emotional story carries the game... when it gets there. While basic, the gameplay and varied locations make for a great starter Metroidvania, it just may not work as well for longstanding veterans of the genre. If you wanted more God of War, this is indubitably a good game and a smart spin-off by Sony Santa Monica and Mad Cat Studios.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is an incredible feat by all teams involved. There has not been a Call of Duty game yet that has the scope of Black Ops 7, or the interconnected social experience it provides. Every facet of the game, whether Zombies, Multiplayer, Endgame, Dead Ops Arcade 4, or campaign, feels like it was crafted passionately. Outstanding gameplay and progression systems back up a packed title; I’ll be playing BO7 for a very long time. Black Ops 7 is the pinnacle of modern Call of Duty, blending the past with the present in a way that’s worthy of the grind you’ll be putting into it.
If you craved a sprawling space opera with weighty choices and layered systems, The Outer Worlds 2 achieves that vision. Obsidian succeeds in expanding the scope, immaculate vibes, and mechanical depth of the first game whilst keeping the sharp writing and player choice they’re known for.
It’s hard to put into words how impressive Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is. From the breathtaking world, to the emotional and sincere story, to the deep and sensational turn-based combat, to the award-worthy soundtrack, every aspect of Expedition 33 hits the perfect note. This grandiose adventure is a monumental debut for a new studio, a true masterpiece from Sandfall Interactive.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is a special RPG that ranks with the Skyrims and Witchers of its genre. Despite a high learning curve, I found myself lost in its clutches for hours on end, immersed in the world of 1400s Bohemia. An absolutely gorgeous setting that's satisfying to explore, combined with rewarding progression and an outstanding narrative makes KCD2 a lock for awards season.
The trappings of greatness exist in the current form of Warzone. Area 99 can be a bit bland, but the intensity of it can be fun. The balance Raven has discovered in the Black Ops 6 armory is fantastic, a surprising beginning for a new integration. Holding back the package is the menagerie of fixes necessary and slower pace, meaning we'll need to wait for a few improvements before the game truly explodes.
This is simply the best streaming microphone options on the market. Elgato has been a gold standard here, and the Wave:3 is a fantastic buy. Not only is it plug and play, but the microphone itself is S-tier, with clear comms lent to gaming and streaming alike. Between that and easy to use software, this is the Wave to ride.
This is a swan song that really isn't a swan song. Remedy ends Alan Wake 2 with a link to what comes next… kind of. If you love Alan Wake 2 as I do, you'll love this, as The Lake House is more of those stylings with an FBC filter. Agent Estevez is awesome in her starring role, along with themes in the narrative that make you look beyond the paint covered canvas.
Batman: Arkham Shadow is the latest must-buy VR title, and does its namesake justice. Being Batman is something you dream of, and Camouflaj has done great work in putting you under the cowl. Where some teams would simply offer a short VR experience, the team has crafted a game rich in depth between combat, exploration, and story.
Ara: History Untold tweaks the Civilization formula, but doesn't change it all that much. While it's a well polished experience, I'm not sure it does enough to push the genre forward, settling instead to do what it does well. That said, good strategy games can be hard to find, and Ara is a good one in a crowded field.
There’s nothing that’ll fully prepare you for the lore-heavy Warhammer 40K universe, but Space Marine 2 does a great job of bringing the player along for the ride. This game is made by people who know and love Warhammer, and it shows, deeply.
Star Wars Outlaws might play things a bit safe, but the solid foundation leads to a fantastic adventure. The gameplay is tremendous, with some of the most engaging stealth mechanics I've enjoyed in a game in a while. Add in some great characters, fun side missions, and a gorgeous open world, and Star Wars Outlaws is a great trip across the stars.
Thank Goodness You're Here is a wonderful little indie game that punches higher than it should. The comedic dialogue will have you rolling, and the art style is to die for. A lackluster story and shallow gameplay could drag it down, but somehow work perfectly for the game Panic has created. Know your medium, and good things will come of it.
Sometimes you just need to slow down, and Simpler Times is a great game for that. It's a vibe, a "stop and smell the roses experience". Some may be disappointed in a lack of gameplay depth, but those who want a game resembling a break will be pleasantly surprised.
Where some teams would stay safe in their additional downloadable offerings, building on the foundation laid by the full game, Remedy has gone wild. This is exactly the kind of episodic content I'm looking for. While I'm sure the upcoming Lake House DLC will further our connections to Control, I'm glad Remedy took the time to make something wholly unique, which is what that studio is.
While it doesn't rewrite the history books of gaming, Astor: Blade of the Monolith is a solid first outing for C2 Game Studio. The combination of a great combat loop with fantastic visuals is a winner, and although the story is a bit devoid of substance, is still an entertaining tale. This is certainly a game the devs can build upon, with potential shining through.