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Ghostrunner 2 is a high-speed adventure that combines punishing difficulty with satisfying rewards. The challenge level is on the higher side, but victory never seems out of reach. Due to the generous checkpoint system it's easy to stay motivated to keep pushing oneself through each checkpoint, which can lead to some play sessions lasting longer than intended. While this feedback loop can keep the player going for a while, it can't sustain enjoyable gameplay indefinitely. It can be thrilling for a few hours, but the charm is likely to wear off after a while for most players. Ghostrunner 2 does succeed in what it set out to do which is create a challenging, fast-paced action game that can make the player feel like an invincible ninja, but the end product is something that would only really appeal to gamers seeking out this specific type of experience.
Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 takes everything that worked about the original and expands upon it. The core racing action is improved across the board with more kinds of races to partake in and a more in-depth story mode to keep things moving forward. There's always a goal to attain with XP gaining new vehicles and parts and every race feels like it serves a greater purpose. It controls like a dream, looks gorgeous and offers a satisfying, fast-paced racing experience for all who seek one. Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 is among the best licensed racers of the past decade and a must-play for racing fans.
It's no exaggeration to say that Super Mario Bros. Wonder is one of the greatest Mario titles to come out in the last fifteen years, likely since New Super Mario Bros. DS itself. The only real complaint to be had is that we wish there were even more beautiful and fantastic levels to play after the ones that are there have all been beaten. What Nintendo has crafted here is a title with over 38 years of love for their most-iconic platforming series. It's been a long time since we've had a Mario platformer so reminiscent of the much older titles, but also so full of the magic that modern inclusions can bring to the table. This is not a title that any Mario or platforming fan should be missing out on as Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a must-have for fans of the genre and anyone looking for one of the most utterly charming adventures in franchise history.
Crymachina is a thrilling science fiction adventure that offers fast-paced action in a post-human dystopia.
If you have the patience to work through the kinks and revel in the satisfaction of constructing and managing a thriving metropolis, Cities: Skylines II is worth your time. The game shines in areas like dynamic weather changes, the demand and supply system, financial management, and the revamped traffic system, all of which contribute to an immersive and challenging city-building experience.
For better or worse, Gargoyles Remastered remains a product of its time.
Oddly enough, though, that's kind of the charm.
Sonic Superstars shines brightest when it's sticking to what made the Genesis titles so successful.
If you're a returning player of the Payday franchise, you'll like what Payday 3 offers with multiple heists and keeping its core gameplay design intact.
While there are times where it feels like Wizard With a Gun doesn't live up to its full potential as a survival game, it still succeeds overall thanks to delivering action-packed twin-stick gunslinging, a gorgeous world with nice lore to discover, and a lot of stuff to find, be it new furniture when it comes to decorating your Tower or new strategies when it comes to dishing out pain.
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is one of the most cinematic superhero games ever created.
Endless Dungeon will have players coming for the unique blend of rip-roaring action and tower defense, but what should keep them around is the impressive and lovable cast of characters, along with their various stories to become invested in.
A far more confident and competent iteration of the Souls template than what came before, Lords of the Fallen's all-round impressive design is marred by occasional technical issues and all-too-frequent questions on its very philosophy around challenge.
Briefly enticing the mechanics governing Morale might be in and out of combat, Long Gone Days' inconsistent tone and unconvincing meshing of visual styles doesn't pull through for a narrative deserving of a more refined focus.
Silent Hope is an outstanding dungeon crawler and one of the few on the market that are easy to recommend for players either burned by prior games or who are completely new to the genre.
NHL 24 does do some things that make changes to gameplay in a positive way.
Turn 10 Studios and PlayGround Games have improved the simulation racing aspect with Forza Motorsport. The racing is clearly the focus and the results are best experienced with a wheel as the tire model physics have helped to push this more into sim racing territory.
Assassin's Creed Mirage is a triumphant return to the style of the original Assassin's Creed games.
Counter-Strike 2 is a mostly positive update to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. The enhanced visuals that range from improved textures to lighting and particle effects help bring the graphics up to date while keeping the required specs low enough where the experience isn't limited to those with super expensive gaming rigs.
Geometric Interactive's debut in Cocoon, though lacking in the kind of imagination and surreal creativity its premise might entail, still winds up a pleasant and solid-enough first attempt.