Shaun Cichacki
All in all, Dungeons & Degenerate Gamblers surprised me quite a bit. While I’ve been a fan of other rogue-like games, such as Dead Cells and The Rogue: Prince of Persia, I didn’t expect this silly little deck builder to quickly climb the ladder of my favorites. There are some rough patches through and through, but they’re charming in a way.
The murky visuals, bland dungeon design, boring gameplay overshadow the excellent boss design and a killer soundtrack, making this more of a chore to play and dampening the experience tremendously. There is no way in good faith that this could be recommended as a full-priced title, however in the future, if they improve upon the many mistakes that are currently in the game, it could be made into what it originally looked to be.
It's hard to perfectly encapsulate what Stray really sets out to do, as it is a jack of all trades, but unfortunately a master of none of them. Certain parts of this game are near masterclass, like its stealth sections, but it finds itself lost within its own identity too often, and misses the mark on more than one occasion.
While One Piece Odyssey is an entirely original story that retreads some not-so-original grounds, the sum of its parts equals up to a good game and a great time all around. Does it do enough to carve out a spot in the hearts of JRPG lovers around the world? Not entirely, but those that love One Piece will find a competent and beautiful RPG that is crafted with care.
The excitement of tabletop gaming is typically not translated well in video games, but Demeo: PC Edition hits a wonderful middle ground of electronic and physical gaming. While it may not be the perfect attempt, it lands a critical hit more often than it misses, giving gamers one of the best recreations of the medium in digital form.
With some dated design choices that hold it back from being the best that it could be, it may not be everyone's cup of tea. But, for those that have been waiting, this is like the ultimate form of comfort food, getting something that they love, to bring them back to a specific time and place that gives them their best memories.
While Assassin’s Creed Mirage may not have hit every mark that I hoped it would, with cumbersome combat and a general feeling of lost identity leading the pack, I can still happily recommend Assassin’s Creed Mirage to anyone hoping to spark the enjoyment of a franchise they once fell in love with.
Even after the original gripes we had, it slowly became apparent that House Flipper 2 is just as much fun, if not more so, than its original form.
If you’re a fan of Persona, then it’s something you should at least consider giving a try, even if it may be time for the Phantom Thieves to retire into a quieter life altogether, finally.
Technical issues aside, I find myself being drawn back into the grips of the Sawyer family more often than I would like to admit. Whether you choose to side with the cruel and sadistic Family, or you decide to step into the shoes of the Victims that they've ruthlessly captured, you're in for a multiplayer experience unlike anything else on the market.
While not perfect, I loved every moment that I spent in the world of My Friendly Neighborhood, and can't wait to jump into it once again to revisit my new friends.
Monster Energy Supercross 6 feels like a victory lap for the series. It's a podium finish without a doubt, but they're going to need to raise the bar for the next race to ensure they take home the championship instead of a second-place trophy.
Dragon Quest Treasures is a celebration of everything that makes this franchise a unique and special treat. Those willing to put up with a few slow hours to start their grand adventure will surely not be disappointed with the treasure that lies within, as the jewels and coins shine brightly within.
While there may be a few stumbles along the way, The Entropy Centre has a unique twist on a familiar premise in this particular genre. It may not redefine it in any new ways, but it's something that will help scratch an itch in a brand-new way.
As a swan song for the series, the Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection delivers on the grandeur for which the series is well known. Whether this is your first time exploring these detailed and beautiful worlds or your fifteenth, it'll be hard for you to come across a package of adventure games that can deliver the thrills and chills that these titles can.
If you're looking for something that makes you feel closer to the ice than ever before, NHL 23 is going to be your favorite game that you play this year. The electricity that oozes from this title is something that will bring me back to playing it over and over again, even if there are a few nagging problems that need to be addressed very shortly.
If you're willing to devote the time needed to this title, you'll find one of the most exciting sports games around. It's not going to hold your hand, but it's going to do what it needs to help shape you into the next face of the PGA Tour. The endless frustration of a barely missed putt, versus the excitement of a hole-in-one that you finally nailed is exhilarating.
While other years have felt like a fumble, this feels like a solid first down, and we can only hope that they go for a successful Hail Mary the next time around. The spirit of Madden fills this entry in the franchise, and it feels that there is hope that it can reach its roots once more, and become the premier football simulator once more. Are you ready for some football? Because I know that I am.
If you're looking to fall in love with a platformer that wears its heart on its sleeve, you'll be happy to know that these titles still do hold up tremendously well, even if they may not feel as polished as some newer games in the genre. If you're willing to deal with some frustrations from dated design, you may find yourself head over heels for this loveable Dream Warrior, no questions asked.
If there was a word to summarize how fans will feel with this title, it would be Surprised. Surprised to see how much love and care was put into this title, from entrances to the sheer amount of things for you to customize within the world. Visual Concepts knocked the ball out of the park with this entry, but there are a few little things that hold it back from being the greatest of all time.