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While Codemasters seems to have added a good amount of content to F1 2021, it still feels like the same experience at its core.
Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is a great game that maintains enough elements of previous Ys games so that longtime fans will feel at home while the Monstrum gifts breathe new life into the gameplay.
Monster Hunter Stories was one of the most brilliant spin-off decisions in the series and this sequel does its best to improve upon what the original started and does it well.
Though Minute of Islands is far from bland or unoriginal on the visual side of things, it's the game's lack of an equally-committed drive to its gameplay or even its delivery of a narrative where Studio Fizbil's efforts falter as a result.
Overboard! is one of the year's most delightful surprises so far, a terrific reverse murder mystery with several twists and turns around every corner, and one that can still put up a notable challenge as you try to figure out every possible step towards getting Veronica off the hook and on the path to a life of luxury instead. A mix of sharp writing, clever puzzles and simple yet effective gameplay results in a killer experience that will leave you coming back for more.
Mario Golf: Super Rush strengthens the core gameplay with its faster pace and strong fundamentals, but the barebones package will likely leave players wanting more.
As Disgaea: Hour of Darkness was the first game I ever reviewed nearly two decades ago, I have had a long and beloved history with Nippon Ichi's franchise, so it breaks my heart to play Disgaea 6: Defiance of Destiny. The story is bland with few jokes that actually hit, and the cast of characters do not help the cause with uninspired backstories and personalities.
Who's to say what the real, developer-side cause is for Scarlet Nexus' failings.
Legend of Mana was already a fantastic experience when it first released, and this brand new HD release has helped make it all the more endearing.
While the content is short sighted with Chivalry 2, the improvements over its predecessor make it a much better experience.
The sole piece of new content, Episode INTERmission, provides a decent 4-5 hour adventure starring Yuffie. While INTERmission doesn’t push the overarching VII Remake narrative forward, it’s a fun slice of content that delves deeper into VII Remake’s world. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade won’t make the wait for Final Fantasy VII Remake Part II any easier, but it does at least make its best moments look and play better than before.
Musicus! might not be the best game from Overdrive, but it's high on the list.
Edge of Eternity is a love letter to classic Final Fantasy and Xenoblade games.
The Ninja Gaiden franchise has been sorely missed.
Those holding out for a showpiece title for their PS5 now have it.
Neptunia ReVerse is a must-buy for anyone who has wanted to get into the long-running series, but didn't know where to start.
Guilty Gear Strive proves there's still some fight left in 2D gaming.
Even if it's brief and falters during the third act, there's no denying that Backbone is a truly gorgeous and captivating adventure, with an engrossing world that you'll want to see even more of.
Astalon: Tears of the Earth is a tough, but fair NES-inspired Metroidvania that tests your mettle and makes it worthwhile.
Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown seems lacking for a game having the word "ultimate" in its title. On one hand the fighting system is every bit as great as fans of the series remember and with regular online matches and the Room Matches players who love taking the fight online can have countless hours of fun.