If you're an absolute die-hard fan of Life Is Strange, which you likely are if you're considering the deluxe edition, then jump right in and say your own goodbyes to Max and Chloe. However, if you've not played both the original series and Before the Storm in their entirety, Farewell likely won't resonate with you in the same way.
Deck Nine had a pretty tall task when it came to Life Is Strange: Before the Storm. Creating a prequel that would satiate the series' fans is tough enough, and they've passed with flying colors in that regard. However, it's the way in which Deck Nine has really honed in on the identity of the original series that makes it so special.
If you enjoyed the gameplay experience in Horizon Zero Dawn, you'll enjoy what's on offer in The Frozen Wilds. Its machines pose even more of a threat than some of the most intimidating beasts you came across in the main game, side quests help to flesh out the concise story experience, and the new weapons and outfits on offer are powerful additions to your arsenal. The Frozen Wilds offers a delectable slice of familiar action in a new, dangerous, yet beautiful land with plenty of lore and content to keep you exploring The Cut long after you've completed your quest.
As a season, Guardians of the Galaxy delivered the kind of experience I wanted. It's the most I've found myself laughing and smiling since Tales From the Borderlands, and I enjoyed the adventure and story laid out here more than the sequel movie that released this year.
There are a lot of little stories going on in Before the Storm, and each one of them has me hooked and I can't wait to see how they all come to an end in episode three. If episode one introduced us to the Rachel and Chloe's relationship, episode two cracked it wide open, showing a more vulnerable and emotionally open Rachel from the closed-off one we were initially introduced to in episode one.
Though it drags a little during the middle, episode four did manage to hook me back in by the end. I'm intrigued to see exactly how the series pans out considering the state of the Guardians by the episode's close.
Forza Motorsport 7 feels like the racing sim that embraces modern day technology. Its AI assumes the persona and driving styles of other players thanks to the power of the cloud.
All in all, FIFA 18 doesn't feel like as drastic an improvement as its predecessor did over FIFA 16. Its improvements to offensive play certainly allow for some spectacular goals to be scored and help the fluidity of play.
V3's best improvements aren't in its mini-games, the way it handles, or in high-fidelity visuals, but in the way it embraces the series' DNA and brings it to the forefront of the experience. Though there are some missteps along the way such as the almost cringeworthy hyper-sexualized dialogue revolving around Miu, or the filler ‘Free Time' segments, Killing Harmony has me desperate to see where the series goes next.
In the nearly 20 years since Sonic Adventure, it turns out all Sonic needed was a developer who actually understood what made a good Sonic game. Mania is a joyous non-stop celebration of everything you ever loved about Sonic The Hedgehog, with perfectly designed levels, and controls that feel just right..
Before the Storm's first episode is an excellent starting chapter for this prequel. With a strong, endearing protagonist in Chloe, a deeper choice and consequence system than the original, and some intriguing mysteries surrounding the story, I found myself invested in Arcadia Bay once again, and it feels hella good.
As I write this review, I'm once again eagerly awaiting the next chapter of my Guardians of the Galaxy adventure. The series has the same essence of excellent writing and humor that Tales of the Borderlands embodied, and if it continues I may have just found my next favorite Telltale series.
While I have to tip my hat to Housemarque for trying something different, Matterfall feels more like a side project than a proper release in the developer's esteemed lineage of twin-stick shooters. The controls lack the same level of slick polish, the main experience is short, and there's little to keep you coming back.
If you're looking for sci-fi action and alien blasting, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you're in the market for a fascinating narrative and an intriguing space station to lose yourself in, you could do a heck of a lot worse than Tacoma.
Pyre is a diamond in the rough. Its sense of adventure and novel Rites are ultimately held back from realizing their full potential by a campaign that feels drawn out, static teammates, and easy enemy AI. There's plenty to love here, and Pyre will most definitely worm its way into the hearts of many, but it doesn't quite top Bastion as Supergiants' crowning achievement.
It may not have you pausing your game and thinking over decisions quite like The Walking Dead did, but Guardians of the Galaxy constantly emanates feel-good vibes, reminiscent of Tales from the Borderlands. While I'm not convinced it'll ultimately live up to Rhys, Fiona and Loaderbot's escapades (my own personal favorite series), for sheer enjoyment, it's shaping up to come mighty close.
Rime has the potential to be so much more than it actually is. It's got stunning presentation, an intriguing world, and some neat ideas. However, all of this is overshadowed by the more mundane puzzles and glaring technical issues that come with it. While Rime may well have looked to some of the modern greats for inspiration, it'll struggle to be remembered for half as long.
By the time the credits rolled on A New Frontier's finale, I was satisfied with the way my Javi had evolved. The outcomes of the decisions I made (regardless of how extreme they were) felt natural and progressive, and the consequences of seemingly insignificant conversations felt meaningful.
Despite its noticeable technical shortcomings, Prey still has some significant redeeming qualities. Its environment is one of the most enjoyable to explore and the way it weaves its overarching story into side quests only helps to accentuate the freedom you're given as a player.
I find myself waiting for the finale with mixed feelings. Episode four's finale has me eager to jump into the finale and face what comes Javi and the group's way, but I really hope Telltale nails down the pacing for episode five.