Forbes's Reviews
On a whole, it is too inconsistent to be considered elite. This was a year where the franchise expected to make a huge leap from doormat to contender, but it still falls short of the postseason.
Spider-Man is a fantastic action game with great movement and combat and a compelling story that's only dragged down from time to time with boring missions and QTE-based boss fights.
While it is a massive and overly traditional role-playing game, do not let these elements dissuade you from trying it out. Stick with it and your patience will be hugely rewarded.
I love the way PES 2019 plays. The gameplay is the biggest selling point, but not the only thing that matters–especially in the face of formidable competition. Konami can't escape the negative effect of losing the licensing battle, its shallow modes, and bland presentation.
F1 2018 isn't without flaw or area of opportunity, but the engine that powers its positives revs much louder than the noise made by its few skid marks. This is truly one of the best racing games you'll ever play.
Overall, Octopath Traveler is a very solid and engaging game.
This year, Madden doesn't break any new ground or fix all or most of the nagging issues that have impeded the series in the past. However, it does deliver an absolutely stunning visual experience, decent gameplay and enough options to keep most fans occupied.
When everything is clicking, Onrush feels amazing, but until your skill can catch up with the insanity that's happening on-screen, I can see this being a frustrating experience for less patient gamers.
If you're a Zelda fan and want something more combat oriented with a strong element of strategy to it, then Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition is worth checking out.
The Nintendo Labo Variety Kit is a great interactive model/science kit to put together with your kids. If you like building or tinkering with stuff, you'll like this. If that's not your thing, you might find it tedious. Not a ton of replay value, but the construction seems sturdy. Overall, a very unique new 'game' for the Nintendo Switch.
While it's not a full-fledged AAA title, SMB 2 blurs the lines with its fantastic gameplay and mode depth. MLB The Show fans aren't likely to put their game down to play SMB 2, but it could be a fun alternative. XB1 fans don't have access to The Show, so without a doubt, SMB 2 is easily the best baseball game available on that console.
The gameplay isn't horrible, but it's also not spectacular. The visuals are solid, but not groundbreaking. The customization is stellar, but that's still not enough to save this game from mediocrity.
God of War works for what it keeps and works for what it changes. It's a foundation for a series that's suddenly a tentpole once again.
This is simply not a very good baseball game and the higher price point makes it even easier to accept this year. The improved graphics don't do enough to save this from another sub-standard effort.
Far Cry 5 is certainly more of the same thing, but with enough changes that it feels fresh.
There are a few desirable features missing when you compare The Show 18 to other sports video game titles, but if we were to judge the features and core gameplay that are present, the latest entry to the series maintains its impressive hitting streak.
Overall, this is still the fantastic game I remember playing back at the start of 2016
Overall, following the somewhat disappointing The Last Guardian, this is an astonishingly good remake of a classic PS2 game and one that everyone who owns a PS4 should play.
The fighting itself is absolutely glorious for both fans and non-fans of the series, and for both casuals and hardcore fighting gamers. You just can't lose with Dragon Ball FighterZ. Well, unless you lose in a fight, that is.
With a focus on depth and functionality, the EA UFC 3 development team has created the strongest version in their series. A few minor missteps and the reluctance to embrace or include a true-sim component keeps it from GOAT status. However, there's no question it's a titleholder.