The Falconeer absolutely has its high points, and all of the elements of a great game are there. It’s just disappointing that they don’t gel enough to be wholly satisfying. Visually, the game is stunning, without caveat. The combat can be exhilarating … at its best. The story can be interesting, even fascinating … sometimes. The game’s heights are extreme, but so are its lulls.
Outriders makes for a solid, if slightly underwhelming, experience. Several elements left me scratching my head, and there are some bizarre glitches. But going god-mode with your abilities is good fun, even if battles can feel repetitive. Your enjoyment of the game will stretch further if you have a buddy or two to bring along with you for the (out)ride. People Can Fly threw a lot at the wall, and some of it definitely stuck. With DLC and updates surely to come, the Outriders crew will hopefully hone its focus on the parts that work. There is a solid core already, but I hope Square Enix and People Can Fly will take steps to freshen up the gameplay and story so the momentum doesn’t die out the way humans did back on Earth so long ago.
Solasta: Crown of the Magister takes the mantle of the “most” Dungeons & Dragons video game out there, if not quite the best. Though the game has a modular adventure setup that strongly suggests there will be more stories, this one falls too flat for its 40- to 50-hour length. However, the combat system is merely a few tweaks short of perfection, so I’d still be interested in sending my heroes on another adventure in the realm of Solasta.
Chernobylite is a solid game with a thoughtful story, enjoyable characters, memorable scares, and amazing design. You have freedom in the directions you want to go with crafting and leveling up, and the narrative choices you make feel meaningful. The game keeps you constantly engaged, as it always feels like there’s an important mission to complete or something to take care of around the base. The mystery is fascinating all the way to the end, and the main narrative doesn’t overstay its welcome, feeling spot on at a tight 20-ish hours.
Morteshka’s deal with the devil has paid off, as Black Book delivers a captivating story and engaging gameplay full of strategy and variety that should keep you busy for over 40 hours. Being in league with Satan usually comes with a great price, but players should be able to overcome any curses handed down to them. With strong character development and narrative, this wicked book is a page-turner that’s worth a read.
A fascinating effort from a writer who's delivered some of the most beloved JRPG stories has too many flaws to be another classic.
Marvel has a new champion in the video game realm, so make mine Guardians of the Galaxy.
While the atmosphere and Switch Boost keep things moving, the game's length may leave you feeling as trapped as the undernaut you play as.
The Good Life makes for a nice getaway, but don't plan on staying for too long.
Nobody Saves the World provides a large toybox and an enjoyable world in which to play with it. The Forms at the center of its gameplay feel significantly different from one another and are all exciting to use once you get a handle on them. Thanks to the shareable abilities, you can also experiment with endless combinations of moves. The main story makes for a satisfying and entertaining 20-ish hours with some challenges still left over to complete. At the end of the day, everybody is somebody, even if you’re Nobody.
The Forsaken Maiden is a gentle game that challenges JRPG narratives, but despite its unconventional appearance, it comfortably sticks to what works with its gameplay.
If you want a deep adventure that's worth a lot of your time, Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous delivers, but factors surrounding the game are troubling.
Elex II can be entertaining in all the wrong ways, but as a sequel, it's just more of the same.
A reworking of Metal Max Xeno doesn't get patched up enough to make life worth living in Dystokio.
A brief, but fun and creative experience that, despite being too simple for some, leads willing participants into a world of pure imagination.
Deep characters lure you into a razor-sharp tale of difficult decisions and hidden intrigue from a frightening, divisive time in history.
Regardless of your King Arthur fandom, Knights Tale is a feast with meaty tactics, a sumptuous story, and luscious visuals, all fit for a king.
Sunday Gold's style is smooth, but its attempted genre mashup is a little rough.
If you're interested in a uniquely told story of macro and micro power struggles, you must be willing to wade through a lengthy series of repetitive battles to get through it.
A few improvements and some stellar battle scenarios in the second Mario + Rabbids make it a Mario party worth attending.