Renzo Guevara
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance allows the original SMT 5 to spread its wings a bit more with excellent systematic refinements that brings the former Nintendo Switch exclusive to modern systems. If the improved gameplay and visuals weren't enough, the all-new Canon of Vengeance shakes up the original campaign just enough to provide a refreshing new experience.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade II is an incredible experience that simply should not be missed. The game is fully committed to immersing players with fantastic world-building, top tier visual presentation, world-class audio design, and a narrative that continues to not shy away from the complex themes it combines with such dense mythology. Ninja Theory has themselves yet another all-timer with this one.
Stellar Blade is a gorgeous game that carries a lot of interesting factors in gameplay, narrative, and world building. However, it felt like SHIFT UP wasn't all that confident in truly going all out in terms of a more unique execution to tie it all together. As it stands, it's a perfectly enjoyable game on its own but it definitely could've been a lot more special.
Intense, engaging, and unquestionably a title that remains focused on realizing a vision that has been developed since the original, Dragon's Dogma 2 is a crowning achievement when it comes to providing an incredible hardcore RPG experience. This is a game that is not afraid to be different, and it is so much more enticing because of it.
Rise of the Ronin is an unfortunate example of what happens when the chase for mainstream appeal goes in the way of creative identity. While it's still a fairly enjoyable action game when it allows itself to be, it's ultimately bogged down by half-baked mechanics that make the world feel emptier than it looks.
This is one of the most polished AAA releases we have in recent memory. I encountered no major bugs, major performance issues, or even visual pop-ins. Final Fantasy 16 feels like a game that was made the way the creators intended it to be with the utmost care. There are no compromises made here for artificial extensions or hidden profit-making agendas. Final Fantasy 16 is a complete experience from start to finish and it is one that I’d say is worth taking.
The Devil In Me is a highly enjoyable thrill ride down a madman’s castle of horrors with impressive-looking visuals that elevates the subtle yet effective atmosphere. If you can tolerate a lackluster cast and a choppy first act, this is one horror experience that’s worth having.
What Sonic Frontiers has in potential in everything it introduces to the long-standing franchise is immediately lost in the way it’s all executed. Poor environments and a less-than-stellar gameplay loop derail the entire experience to a crawl.
God of War Ragnarok is a massive refining of what was achieved back in 2018. Engaging gameplay, a wide variety of stunning worlds to explore, and some of the best storytelling in gaming make this experience a must for anyone.
Modern Warfare 2’s campaign looks, feels, and sounds fantastic with the IW 9.0 engine flexing its capabilities with much success. Characters feel a bit more fleshed out with added personalities that help the player connect and believe in their relationships with each other. However, the narrative is bogged down by tedious mission design, technical bugs, and an overreliance on sequel-baiting that doesn’t feel earned at all.
Valkyrie Elysium feels like it should’ve been released more than two console generations ago. The flashy combat system barely uplifts the experience from bland characters, uninteresting story, and outdated level design that borderline on feeling like it could’ve just belonged to a mobile game.
Soulstice’s excellent combat system singlehandedly saves the game from its own mundane presentation, technical problems, and uninteresting narrative. If you’re looking for an old-school action-adventure game, this might be worth a pickup.
Steelrising isn’t just another forgettable soulslike experience. Its familiar gameplay is elevated by the stellar look and feel of the weapons alongside a visually striking reimagining of 1978 Paris. There is a lot to love her and a lot more to look forward to in terms of what Spiders can do with a future entry.
The Saints Row reboot really brings the franchise back to when it was just a street gang trying to rise up the ranks. While the story does have its moments with a large variety of fun activities to do alone or with a friend, it’s unfortunately bogged down by outdated gameplay mechanics and technical issues.
Digimon Survive felt like a game that wasn’t supposed to be one in the first place. The glimpses of brilliance being presented in the narrative are tainted by a tactics-based combat system that felt like it belonged to a forgettable mobile game rather than a release that was meant to celebrate 25 years of a long recognizable brand.
MADiSON is a great horror experience that will make your skin crawl, your heart pounding, and your eyes and ears begging to be covered. Developer Bloodious Games does an amazing job at building up tension through simple game mechanics and immersive environments. While some of the puzzles could use some tweaking, the game is still technically impressive and terrifying in all the right ways.
MX vs. ATV Legends feels outdated, out-polished, and outran by some of its competitors in the motocross genre. There are tidbits of fun to be had in the experience but it feels more frustrating to play with the number of technical flaws present.
Sonic Origins is undeniably fun with faithful recreations of the original games that represented the peak of the franchise. It, however, loses its momentum with unnecessary DLC that taints an otherwise charming love letter that celebrates 30 years for everyone’s favorite blue hedgehog.
Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin offers a counterintuitive experience that has terrible presentation and an unintentionally hilarious narrative. It’s slightly saved by a fairly enjoyable combat and job system. Take both of those away, and this game will feel more like a parody of the legendary franchise.
Developer Visual Concepts show how much they learned from their mistakes with WWE 2K22. A fantastic visual overhaul, more engaging gameplay changes, and extensive customization features make this a compelling purchase for wrestling fans who have been starving for a polished game. The extra featured modes show a lot of promise and it’ll be interesting to see how the franchise improves upon what is established right now.