Undisputed is a fantastic attempt to bring boxing back into the forefront of video games. The engaging career mode, realistic graphics, and well-executed in-ring action make it a strong contender in the otherwise quiet genre. For boxing enthusiasts who have been missing these games, Undisputed does a great job of bringing the thrill of the ‘sweet science’ to life. While I wish the roster had more current big names and the commentary was better; Undisputed still manages to stand tall as king of the ring for now.
I already loved this game on PS4 and now that IllFonic has been freed from the Sony exclusivity; Predator: Hunting Grounds for the Series X and PS5 feels like such an improvement over the original. With its upgraded visuals, enhanced performance and engaging gameplay, it offers an exciting experience to the asymmetrical genre. If you are a fan of the Predator franchise then this should already be on your list, but even if you just want a thrilling multiplayer shooter, Predator: Hunting Grounds is worth checking out.
As I said before, in the year of our Lord 2024 the fact that THIS is the G.I. Joe game that we get just feels bad. While G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra isnt a terrible game, its not a very fun one to interact with. From floaty combat to its subpar boss battles, I couldn’t help but think that this game was capable of so much more. Even with unlockable content to chase adding some replayability to the game, the real question is if gamers or even fans should bother playing this one at all.
Squirrel with a Gun is a wonderfully charming and hilarious game that offers a unique and engaging experience. The game’s humor and creativity make it a joy to play, and the variety of missions and customization options ensure a high level of replayability. While it has its share of flaws, such as its short length and floaty controls, the overall experience is well worth it for anyone looking for a fun and nutty adventure. (Pun intended)
Funko Fusion is a fun and nostalgic game that will appeal to fans of Funko Pop figurines and the franchises it represents. While it has its share of technical issues and repetitive gameplay, the colorful worlds, charming character designs, and humor make it an enjoyable experience. With the upcoming online play feature and regular updates, Funko Fusion has the potential to become even more engaging and entertaining in the future. The game’s ability to bring together different franchises into a single, cohesive universe is a testament to its creativity and charm. Whether you’re a fan of Scott Pilgram, Masters of the Universe, or any of the other franchises featured in the game, Funko Fusion offers a delightful and nostalgic journey that is sure to entertain and captivate players.
Mechwarrior 5: Clans is a fantastic addition to the Mechwarrior lineage, offering a good mix of an engaging storytelling, deep customization options and some seriously satisfying mech combat. While the PC version has some technical issues and the overall game has a bit of a learning curve, the overall experience is well worth it for fans and newcomers alike. And the fact that Clans is hitting gamepass is sure to garner some new Battletech fans to the fold, which is great so we can get some new games form this legendary mech series.
Like I said at the outset I was excited for the possibilities for The Casting of Frank Stone, but sadly that excitement didn’t last. The brightest things about this game were when it was pitting the cast against the supernatural but these things are few and far between and take a LONG time to get to. This is an extremely slow burn, and since the characters feel paper thin; there just isn’t a lot to grab onto here. The Casting of Frank Stone has tons of references for Dead by Daylight fans but the lack of scares and likeable characters makes this one best left on the hook.
Epic Mickey: Rebrushed feels like a triumphant return that beautifully blends nostalgia with modern some enhancements. The visuals are captivating, the gameplay is enjoyable, and the heartwarming story still shines. However, the absence of voiced characters feels like a significant missed opportunity, one that could have taken the emotional experience to new heights. Despite this, Rebrushed remains a must-play in a sea of great platformers, inviting players to rediscover the magic of creativity and adventure in Wasteland. Whether you’re revisiting or experiencing it for the first time like I did, Mickey’s artistic journey is one worth taking.
There is some fun to be had in Quidditch Champions but that mileage is going to vary by player for sure. Hardcore Potter heads will probably love being able to experience this sport, and chasing all of the unlockables
I am quite glad that Free Range Games kept their head down and turned around Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria. It is a fun experience for fans of the survival genre and I can say that you don’t have to be a fan of the LOTR franchise but will love it even more if you are. The team has polished quite a few systems that some of the other survival games employ and it makes for a much better crafting and building experience. While the game still has some goblins messing with the combat and causing issues, this is one game that deserves a delve.
The Plucky Squire is an absolute triumph of artistry and gameplay. I didn’t even mention the stellar narration that is done by Philip Bretherton, his voice gives the tale being told a certain gravatas, I do wish that the individual characters were voiced but you don’t really miss it with the amazing music and killer narrator. The Plucky Squire’s a charming, inventive, and utterly delightful adventure that deserves a place in every gamer’s collection. Whether you’re drawn to its unique mechanics, captivating story, or simply the joy of exploring a beautifully crafted world, this game offers something special for everyone. Don’t miss out on this enchanting journey—The Kingdom of Mojo needs their hero!
I said it before and I will say it again, I loved Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2. Saber Interactive just went full-on Super Saiyan (that’s a Dragonball Z reference for the uninitiated, it means they leveled up) with this release. Honing the skills that they studio already had on display with World War Z and the incredible Swarm engine; Space Marine 2 offers a stunningly, beautiful, walk through the grimdark universe. This is hands down thee (you know it’s serious when you use old world speak) best Warhammer game to date. But beauty, as they say is only skin deep and believe me this game is a beauty through and through. While I am bummed I wasn’t able to test the online portion of the game, I can assure you that between the amazing campaign where the production values are absolutely breathtaking at times; to the operations that allows replayability and rewards players with cosmetics to customize their marines, Space Marine 2 is a sure-fire Game of the Year contender.
Of all the errors I think this game has made with its release, the most egregious is the $40 price tag. In a time where the majority of hero shooters are F2P, even the upcoming Marvel Rivals is promising all characters will be free at launch and in the future; hell, even the KING – Overwatch 2 is free-to-play. So why, on God’s good green earth, did Sony think they could ship this game at $40 and find success? I don’t know, I am just a guy who reviews games; that question is for other minds, but as far as Concord goes, just wait for it to inevitably go free-to-play if you are truly curious.
Roots of Pacha on is a delightful farming simulation that stands out for its unique setting, charming art style, and engaging gameplay. It’s a game that invites you to slow down, connect with a vibrant community, and experience the joys of ancient agriculture. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of the genre or new to the farm, Roots of Pacha is a wonderful game that offers a rewarding and heartwarming journey into the past.
Age of Mythology: Retold is a triumphant revival of a beloved classic. It combines the best elements of the original with modern upgrades and refinements, delivering a fantastic strategic experience that feels both fresh and familiar. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the original or new to the world of mythology, this game offers an epic journey worth embarking on. I think that with this game Age of Mythology finally gets the respect it deserves in the pantheon of great RTS games.
Nobody Wants to Die feels like a triumph of noir-inspired gaming. Its meticulous attention to detail, from the visual aesthetics to the great narrative, makes it a standout title for fans of the genre. The game successfully merges the best elements of classic noir with modern gaming sensibilities, while the game has a bad habit of giving too much help to the player; Nobody Wants to Die is a game that should not be missed by fans of the genre.
I can’t wait to be able to talk about this one in detail, it surprised me how much I liked it. Even if it kind of feels like a roguelite, I don’t care; being able to mastermind this show by picking the cast and placing things around to evoke emotions was fun, every. single. time. If you like dynamic games where you, the player will kind of set up the dominos and watch them fall I feel like you will be hard pressed to find a better game than The Crush House. Not only was it fun setting up the various shots and seeing things unfold amongst the various castmates but the mystery here is the real draw. Go into this one as blind as you can, you will thank me for it.
If you can’t tell, I loved Cat Quest 3; as I said I was already a fan of the series and this entry is its best. The Gentlebros is a small team of 8 developers but playing Cat Quest 3 you wouldn’t know it, there is even a local co-op option available to players. (I wasn’t able to test this but I have played the past games in co-op with my kids and it was a great time). The greatest thing about Cat Quest 3 is its simplicity, any level of gamer is able to pick this game up and jump in as its combat systems and exploration are easy to grasp and once you get sailing it’s extremely hard to put this one back in drydock.
Creatures of Ava is a fantastic game and I really like the pacifist approach to game play. It was a refreshing change to be collecting creatures in order to save them instead of trying to be the very best there ever was. The narrative in Creatures of Ava is also a strong highpoint which comes as no surprise since the story was co-written by Rhianna Pratchett; who has written stories like Heavenly Sword and Rise of Tomb Raider. With a gorgeous world, fun and addictive gameplay and a great story, Creatures of Ava is a really fun experience and one that offers something very different from the other creature collectors on the market.
SteamWorld Heist 2 is a must-play for fans of tactical strategy games. Its engaging combat, diverse missions, and charming presentation make it a standout title on the Xbox (where I played it) but will be great on any platform. Whether you’re a veteran of the series or a newcomer, you’re in for a treat with this gem of a game.