Decieve Inc is a game I really wanted to like, but it comes into the camp of either love at first sight or a game you buy and forget and play with friends once in a while. My time with the game was enjoyable when it worked, but long matchmaking times, uneven and perplexing gunplay and unexplainable lag marred the enjoyment for me.
Resident Evil 4 Remake comfortably sits atop every other release this year with its excellent action, memorable characters, ridiculous replayability, and insane one-liners. RE Engine continues to look phenomenal, and Leon and Ashley have never been better. The remake does a brilliant job of becoming a modern example of improving upon perfection.
Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse is a forgotten title that is getting a second chance at life by coming to the West for the first time in 15 years. The title offers a classic survival horror experience that few modern-day games are able to deliver and with improved visuals paired with quality of life changes, it is easily the best Fatal Frame entry you can play on consoles currently.
I had a fantastic time with Like a Dragon: Ishin, and it’s a worthy addition to the Yakuza series lineup. Like other modern Yakuza titles, this release is filled to the brim with enjoyable content, memorable characters, and an addictive combat system with tons of variety. The character work is fantastic, and the series’ invaluable skill to switch between serious and hilarious tones is present here as well, with some of the best moments in the franchise.
Monster Hunter Rise is a breath of fresh air that elevates the series with its faster traversal, improved combat, and added depth. It looks and runs exceptionally well on modern consoles and is a delight to spend hundreds of hours in.
Dread Templar is a game for hardcore FPS fans looking to return to the pinnacle of fast-paced shooters. It's a treat for old and new fans alike, with tons of variety in weapons, enemies, and environments. The story is a bit lacking, but the game makes up for it with practically everything else.
The Callisto Protocol is definitely not going to be for everyone. It’s a game with a more rigid combat system that requires mastery to play the game, but it has a good story with a good redemption arc toward the end. I do have my fair share of complaints with the game, particularly with how healing is handled, the lack of an objective marker, and learning the near unforgiving combat mechanics of the game, but overall, the game is worth the journey if you are willing to put up with these minor gripes. With a strong visual and auditory presentation, the title is one that I won’t forget anytime soon.