Bloody Ties is a fun DLC, especially if you enjoyed the side activities in the main game, but it’s hard not to think Dying Light 2’s first expansion could have benefited from a bit more time - even after the delays - to help it live up to its full potential.
Rather than aiming for evolution similar to Bandai’s Tales of Arise, tri-Ace and Square Enix went back in time for Star Ocean: The Divine Force. The result is solid, but The Divine Force had the potential to reach even greater heights and establish an identity for the series as a thoughtful reflection on technology and philosophy. If nothing else, at least it proves Star Ocean is still brimming with possibility and deserves another chance, one that will hopefully be more forward-thinking and give the series a chance to shine at last.
Eville is nearly a stand-out social deduction game that puts a TTRPG twist on the familiar genre but would benefit from a few design tweaks.
Lego Bricktales is a fresh and clever twist on the puzzle genre, even if the controls could be more intuitive.
Temtem may look like Pokemon on the surface, but a deep battle system and engaging PvP elements make up for the similarities.
Trails from Zero is one of the most captivating RPGs, whose thoughtful use of setting and skillfully balanced storytelling make it a peer to the classics from the genre's golden age.
Disney Dreamlight Valley is a frictionless, relaxing spin on life sims that manages to remain heartwarming and charming, despite a few Switch-related rough patches. Dreamlight Valley's unique identity relies heavily on fresh interactions with your in-game friends, and Gameloft will need to continue supporting it with regular updates to keep the Night Thorns from creeping back in. However, what's here at launch is surprisingly touching and thoughtful, and cleverly plays on the nostalgia of anyone who's ever been a Disney fan.
Held back by a few shortcomings, Hard West 2 is still one of the best tactics games in the genre.
Digimon Survive was difficult to play, boring for the first half, and mostly just disappointing. The framework for something much more compelling exists underneath the prattle, inconsequential combat, and shallow character development, and you can catch a glimpse at what might have been in some of the story’s better moments. I hope Hyde and Bandai get the opportunity to create another visual-novel-style Digimon game, building on Survive’s foundations to create a lasting and more memorable experience.
Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes is a superb "equal" that builds on Three Houses in the best possible ways.
Mario Strikers: Battle League is a fun and chaotic experience let down by a lack of content and personality.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising is a charming if tedious RPG that probably shouldn't have been an RPG.
The Force Unleashed on Switch is a good port of a rather dreary game by today's standards.
Ghostwire Tokyo's charm, bizarre world, and engaging story shine in spite of the rather empty world.
Rune Factory 5 has one of the best casts and writing in the series, but a batch of performance and presentation issues spoil the crop.
Persona 4 Arena Ultimax is still a champion among fighting games, though the story holds it back from overwhelming victory.
Chocobo GP is built for fun but needs time and some more attention before it can really take the pole position.
Triangle Strategy is one of the cleverest tactics games around, with an intriguing story, rewarding choices, and (mostly) excellent stage design.
Horizon Forbidden West could be much more, but what's here is beautiful, cleverly designed, and just plain fun to play.
Ota Imon has something interesting to say with Wolfstride. I just hope it finds the right voice to say it with next time.