Brian Zuhl
It’s not very often you come across a game with a concept as unique as Sifu. The aging mechanic is an interesting take on roguelikes that provides some serious challenge. The difficulty may be a little high at times, but satisfaction of overcoming the challenge is worth it in the end. With its fast paced action and amazing environments, Sifu is an incredible game that all gamers should give a chance.
On top of the amazing gameplay and beautiful art style, Windjammers 2 really hits home with the classic arcade nostalgia. The second I started playing the game, I was excited to put it on the big screen and have a showdown with some friends. Even without people nearby, the online play and arcade mode is more than enough to grab your attention for hours on end. Windjammers 2 feels like one of those games that should come standard in any gamers library, even if it’s only to pull out when friends are over.
Rainbow Six Extraction is a bold move by Ubisoft. With the delve into sci-fi, Rainbow Six is heading in a new direction. Extraction is an interesting first step, full of both highs and lows. The framework laid out by Siege drives much of the game and moves it forward. But its so similar at times that it can feel like a large expansion instead of a full game. The random nature of the objectives keeps the replayability high for now. But how long it keeps your attention depends on the kind of support Ubisoft has planned. Fans of Siege should absolutely pick this one up, while newcomers to the series can find a safe entry point to some amazing gunplay.
Tunche tries many things to set itself apart from the other roguelites. While at first combat feels fast and exciting, it quickly becomes repetitive before even finishing the first run. A great art style helps but doesn’t make up for the other shortcomings. Fans of roguelites might find Tunche fun for a few runs, but others might want to pass on this one.
Rustler is an interesting callback to the classic Grand Theft Auto style. The weird modern twist on the medieval style carries it all the way to the end of the game. The many references and jokes throughout keep the tone light and the comedy high. While it’s not the most innovative combat, it’ll keep you going into the next main quest. For fans of open world games, Rustler warrants at least one play-through, but don’t expect much past that.
Clid the Snail has an interesting concept, and that’s a fact. I don’t think there will ever be another game where you play as an anthropomorphic gun toting snail in a post-apocalyptic world. However, the poor, overly difficult combat and the muted environments keep Clid from achieving anything notable. Even hardcore fans of twin-stick shooters would be better off passing on this title.
Though intimidating, the Monster Hunter series has always had a beautiful world to explore with many creative monsters to hunt. Now, with Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin, it’s more accessible than ever before. With an excellent combat system and a fun variety of monsties to tame, you can spend hundreds of hours in this world. If you’ve always been interested in Monster Hunter but felt overwhelmed by its multitude of mechanics, then this is a great entry point to the series. If you’re a veteran who’s been playing since day one, then the similarities between the turn based combat and regular combat will bring you a familiar sense of joy.
Ender Liles takes some influence from popular games and genres, combining them into one impressive package. Supported by one of the most beautiful scores I’ve ever heard, the journey through this destroyed world is breathtaking to behold. While challenging, mastering combat is a rewarding experience, culminating in immensely satisfying boss fights. While the RPG side of this action RPG could use a little more polish, the rest of the game is still a work of art.
Biomutant has loads of potential. There’s a beautiful world to explore, interesting and dynamic combat, and an endless loot system. It’s unfortunate that the story is so bland and the quests are near non-existent. The narrator is a bold move, but ends up taking away more than it adds. I had high hopes for Biomutant, but it’s issues hold it back from greatness that it deserved. I hope we get a sequel one day to make improvements on the foundation set here. Polishing up this amazing world could end in an amazing game. Despite the flaws, I still recommend fans of RPG’s and open-world games pick this up and try it for themselves.
Star Renegades provides near endless replayability. With a large cast of heroes, procedurally generated worlds, and deep combat, there will always be a desire to start the next run. Accompanied by a beautiful art style and mesmerizing soundtrack, this will be a great addition to any RPG lovers library.
Vaporum: Lockdown provides a fresh new take on tile based dungeon crawlers of old. The steampunk setting, as well as deep progression, enhance the already fluid combat to create a unique game that demands multiple playthroughs. While it can have moments of frustration, there’s some great fun to be had here. RPG fans may want to look into the game if they’re looking for something different, but nostalgic.
Games like Super Meat Boy and Celeste have become instant classics since their debut. While Sir Lovelot tries its best to imitate them, it never really escapes from their shadow. If you’re looking for a quick platformer to speed through, then give this one a try, otherwise this is an easy pass.
Tarsier Studios has created a dark and depressing world like no other. A gripping tale of adversity that has you begging for more. Little Nightmares II is the light at the end of the tunnel that you never knew you needed.
One of the main appeals of Werewolf: The Apocalypse – Earthblood is simply playing as a werewolf. It succeeds at this goal, but fails at almost everything else. If you enjoy the idea of rampaging through enemies as a werewolf, then this is the game for you. For those that are seeking a bit more in their games, then this is an easy pass.