Nicholas Aguilera
G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra is an energetic, nostalgia-fueled beat-em-up that has some length and technical issues, but not enough to seriously dampen the solid side-scrolling gameplay and excellent retro aesthetic.
SPRAWL is a very solid newcomer to the movement-based FPS subgenre. Boasting some great abilities, solid gunfights, and an engrossing atmosphere, fast-paced shooter fanatics are sure to love this one.
Destiny 2 is back, baby. The Final Shape's exhilarating and heart wrenching main story quest, beautiful and twisted new destination, terrifying new enemy faction, and plethora of insanely powerful gear solidify this as the new peak of the Destiny experience.
Phantom Fury is an unapologetic boomer-shooter that can definitely talk the talk, but fails to walk the same walk that its inspirations did some 25 years ago. Countless technical problems, obscure level design, and a sad excuse for a story unfortunately make what could have been a good game a middling one.
Highwater is certainly a looker (and a sounder(?)), but its predictable combat and uninteresting story make it difficult to drudge all the way through.
This retelling of the 2013 game stays largely faithful to the source material and adds some valuable improvements. If you've already experienced the original I think you can sit this one out; but newcomers should experience this remake at least once.
Gangs of Sherwood offers an enjoyable and silly co-op action experience that mostly gets things right.
Shadow Warrior 3 does little to reinvigorate the Shadow Warrior series. A scant campaign, downright bad narrative, obnoxious voice acting, and generally derivative new gameplay mechanics do little to set this entry apart from other FPS titles. However, combat is, as always, incredibly satisfying, and probably worth enjoying at least once.
Destiny 2: Lightfall does a lot to advance the Destiny 2 experience, adding a stellar new subclass and destination alongside a much needed difficulty increase. Conversely, it features a story so bland, derivative, and dissatisfying that I am honestly worried Bungie may never be able to right the narrative course.
Lost Between Worlds feels like a creative misstep for the Far Cry franchise. Though it is refreshing to see the series attempt new things, none of the additions are well-realized enough to justify the existence of this add-on.
Gundam Evolution is a fun and fast-paced hero shooter that, while not wholly unique, accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do: offer an authentic, competitive Gundam experience for fans of modern shooters. Satisfying gunplay and engaging classes make playing this game worthwhile, regardless of the lengthy grind and somewhat lifeless maps.
The Last Oricru just can't seem to make up its mind. Strong presentation and performance are enough to get you in the door, but lack any significant development throughout the 10+ hour playtime. Sporting a weak story, insufferable protagonist, and barebones souls-like systems, The Last Oricru does not bring anything new to the genre. Also, what in the world is an Oricru?
Session: Skate Sim is the most authentic skateboarding experience you can get from a video game. Though you will fall down (a lot) and may get frustrated, you will undoubtedly leave this experience with a greater appreciation for skating and the culture that surrounds it.