Sonic Superstars has shaped up to be a Sonic game that is reminiscent of the Genesis days yet futureproofed for newer players to enjoy. It's in no way a perfect Sonic game, but it's a fantastic reinvigoration of some of the best facets of the Sonic series thus far.
"Be kind rewind!" is the core experience of CONVERGENCE: A League of Legends Story. Mastering Ekko's time-based combat and platforming skills becomes incredibly rewarding for those wanting a new metroidvania experience. For Ekko mains, CONVERGENCE should be a no-brainer as it faithfully implements Ekko's power in inventive and satisfying fashions. For other League fans as well as those unfamiliar with Riot Games' other titles, CONVERGENCE will offer you memorability, challenge, a thoughtful story, and another blissful audio experience Riot (and Riot Forge) are known for.
Ooblets is a fantastic simulation RPG, albeit an addicting experience in collecting charming characters and exploring a punny world. Although some of the unique elements like the Ooblet collecting and the dance battles may be surface level approaches compared to other games in this genre, I see a great amount of promise in Ooblets' ability to provide a relaxing yet satisfying experience for players who have enjoyed farming, raising cute creatures, and occasionally deckbuilding. Your life may have been a giant toot before now, but Ooblets will definitely charm you to Elswair and back. Give Ooblets a chance -- it's absolutely worth it!
Persona 3 Portable remains the definitive version of Persona 3, albeit a relic of Persona's past. Compared to the star quality of the entire Persona 5 series, I can see a world where a newer Persona player may be confused about the lack of animated cutscenes, a battle system that is focused around solely controlling the main character by default, a point-and-click-esque navigation system outside of dungeon-crawling, and a forgiving-but-still-simple Social Link system. I can also see a world where veterans may be expecting a remaster that incorporates the media from Persona 3 into the skeleton of Persona 3 Portable, breathing new life and character into a classic RPG. Looking past these quibbles, Persona 3 Portable remains a stellar JRPG, and it looks, sounds, and plays better than I remembered.
Sky: Children of the Light is a welcome addition to the PlayStation ecosystem, especially in a post-COVID world where happiness and cooperation are fleeting. As an MMO, Sky's approach to player retention, exploration, and connection are uplifting, positive, and indeed show the brighter side of humanity. I wish that a PS5-upgrade could better integrate my DualSense into the gameplay, but in the grand scheme of cooperation and connection, Sky hits the sweet spot of an incredibly chill gameplay experience.
There's a reason (err, several) why It Takes Two earned its Game of the Year accolades in 2021, and Switch owners now have the opportunity to play one of the best co-op games of late. The story remains meaningful, the puzzles innovative. The title continues to succeed in navigating interpersonal strife long after its release and the title's ending being freely available to find online. Even though I knew of some of the events that occurred before reviewing, I was often surprised by its powerful storytelling. It runs incredibly well on the Switch, to boot. Some of the typical Switch-based quirks may be coming with, but it still delivers on a compelling and emotional experience without the compromises that usually accompany a Switch port. With Friend Pass baked into the game, Switch owners are able to play with those in the same room as well as afar. I would personally recommend using a voice comms platform should you play remotely, though.
Cult of the Lamb is perfect example of an innovative indie that proclaims to be one genre, but assumes multiple identities and delivers. The game's charming yet disturbing theme lends you freedom to play as you want, and have your actions make sense on the lore-front. Yes, this roguelite is most likely the easiest and most accessible compared to its competitors, but that accessibility comes at a cost of some gameplay, like combat, lacking depth and complexity for genre veterans. Knowing all of this, should you sacrifice your time to the altar of The One Who Waits? To this, we say yes.
You don’t need to be a BlazBlue diehard to appreciate BlazBlue Entropy Effect. Its roguelike gameplay features some of the most fun yet complex combinations of button mashing and attack chains. It is far more approachable than most roguelikes I’ve played recently thanks to how it presents complex information to players and gives them opportunities to test out mechanics without relying on trial and error.
All things considered, Not for Broadcast VR is absolutely a title that any new VR owner should play. It involves just enough virtual reality input that gives players a taste of what to expect when playing a virtual reality game. At the same time, it excellently weaves a story involving propaganda and revolutions all the while critiquing the role of the news media in the most subversive sense.
Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story is an excellent candidate for your holiday gift list, if not a candidate for something to play this holiday season. It excels in crafting an emotional tale that hits all the right notes of childishness and the wonders of childhood while also encouraging players forward. It's not the deepest game, but it is a masterclass in storytelling and worldbuilding. Don't worry if you're unfamiliar with any of Riot's previous games – your yeti pal, Willump, will give you a gigantic hug either way.
Gravity Circuit contains the best parts of the SNES-era of 2D action platforming without the artificial difficulty spikes and frustrations. Its combat is fluid, easy to pick up, and exciting to master. Its pacing ramps up with the player. Its music is a nostalgia bomb of high-energy and synthetic charm. Yes, it's a short play, but it contains enough content to satisfy most players and get them hooked into using Kai's hookshot over, over, and over again. If this doesn't sound like a love letter to retro platforming, I don't know what will.
All in all, DOOMBLADE excels as a Metroidvania and is worth your attention. I was incredibly addicted to its control scheme and its combat despite its few faults. By the time I reached the final boss, I felt challenged in all the right ways. Considering its disruptiveness, I highly recommend DOOMBLADE for Metroidvania fans who desire something new, especially those who're playing with a controller.
There's an immense value in preserving classic titles in their original forms, mainly for the better. For the case of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection, it is so easy to relive the glory days of arcade gaming be it in playing any of the thirteen titles it offers OR by perusing the sheer amount of extra content in the Turtle's Lair. And, having online play that works with little issues is the cherry on top. As a fan of TMNT, the Cowabunga Collection is a no-brainer: This is the collection best shared over pizza.
Oh honey, APICO has all the fixins of a good and relaxing farming sim, but with bees! You have an inventory system that allows you to multitask without wasting time or restricting your options. There are little-to-no penalties for playing however you want, whenever you want. The soundtrack is so soothing and laid back that you'll put viewers and bees to sleep. And, there exists an element of surprise within the gameplay loop of beekeeping, breeding bees, and discovering bees that can keep you playing into the wee hours of the morning and can be disabled if you wish to leave less gameplay up to chance. Despite the gigantic tutorial (that could admittedly use some tightening up for new players) and the lack of deep story/community-building that you may expect from other popular farming sims, it is SO easy for one to lose track of time and relax in the bee-pun filled world of APICO. Give APICO some time -- it's an absolute hit, and I'm SO EXCITED to see it grow.
All things considered, Have a Nice Death excels on just about all fronts as a roguelike. Playing as Death himself lets the player experience power with the sheer number of combinations spanning weapons and spells. The fact that these combinations allow for seamless chains of attacks is the icing on the leftover cake in the office fridge. Its charm and writing are fantastic, and I cannot help but want more from the world of Death Inc. Magic Design Studios' appreciation for a good roguelike is evident here, as I am struggling to stop playing this game. If you're looking for something incredibly refreshing to play while on the job, look no further than Have a Nice Death.
As a fan of JRPGs, Octopath Traveler II shines as an excellent classic JRPG experience for the PS5. It is a very easy recommendation for PS5 owners wanting a good JRPG while they wait for Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters to make their way to next-gen consoles. If you're a PS5 owner and are curious about JRPGs, Octopath Traveler II works as a great entry point into the genre, giving some players a taste of party management, mild grind, and incredible storytelling. I'd caution some newer players unfamiliar with the genre to consider using a guide, but the combat is easy enough to pick up and play without feeling like a text guide is required.
The Outer Worlds: Spacer's Choice Edition is the quintessential The Outer Worlds experience that I've wanted all along for my PS5. With the immense graphical upgrades, Halcyon and the rest of the galaxy look better than ever and visually immerse players in stunning spacescapes while you attempt to navigate a universe that's effectively ruled by corporate overlords. For new players who are also PS5 owners, the Spacer's Choice Edition is a no-brainer given the additional QoL upgrades and the DLC packaged together. However, those who've faithfully done their time in supporting Obsidian and Private Division's franchise from the get go may feel like they've been left in the space dust because of the lack of cross-generation save transfers.
Rhythm games are often evaluated on their complexity, soundtrack, and replayability. Rhythm Sprout succeeds in just about all of those categories while also capturing players' attention with some of the funniest writing and story I've seen in a recent game. Despite not taking itself too seriously, Rhythm Sprout is a treat for multiple audiences, especially console players who lack a good rhythm game to get their feet wet into the best of the genre. I sincerely, dare I say desperately, hope that SURT does more with the Rhythm Sprout universe, as it's currently one of the better (if not one of the best) rhythm titles I've played in recent memory.
Fashion Police Squad (FPS) is a delightful first-person shooter that's in on the joke of policing obnoxious neons, socks in sandals (who DOES that?!), and the faux pas of ill-fitting suits. Its DOOM-esque shooting and platforming hearkens back to a time where games were less serious, more simple, and in some ways, more fun. If you're a fan of shooting in style, Zoolander, and DOOM, look no further than FPS on the Nintendo Switch. Overly baggy jeans be warned -- Sergeant Des will slap you right into shape!
Like Guy Ritchie's Snatch, Sunday Gold is criminally underrated for MANY reasons. Outside of its gritty and gruesome portrayals of a dystopian London, it executes a well-blended mix of RPG and point-and-click adventures. The great voice acting, sleek comic-book aesthetic, and grungy music offer players a neat and unique package that's not only worth a try, but worth completing. I can understand that some may not be down for point-and-click gameplay, but please--give it a shot. You won't regret it.