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In a game like GRID, it is hard to deliver a solid driving model, strong AI, deep career mode and package it together in a way that is appealing to a racing community with multiple interests and styles. The newest GRID title will appeal to many people in many ways, and that's precisely what the developers are hoping for I believe. With so many quality racing options on the market right now, Codemasters has delivered a unique experience that should have mass appeal and deserves a spot in the rotation, especially for you offline racers.
Out of the box, FIFA 20 is the one of the poorest releases for the series in some time. The gameplay can't get out of its own way at times due to poor defensive fundamentals, while the career mode is littered with bugs that were fixed in past iterations. Volta appears to be the only mode without major issues because the gameplay there is expected to be different. FIFA is always prone to patches (for better or worse), so if you're on the fence be sure to keep your eyes open as this game will definitely change during the course of the season.
Although still not perfect, NHL 20 is a more enjoyable experience on the ice than any of its predecessors. In addition, the new features for the most part enhance the game's overall playability. However, if you are looking for or expecting true, realistic NHL-style gameplay, then NHL 20 is not the game for you. The same lingering issues still exist here, preventing the series from truly mimicking the real product, and the AI really does single-handedly damper the gaming experience in my opinion. But here's to hoping EA is on the right track as the studio is finally starting to make strides again.
With the help of option files, PC and PS4 users get to experience nearly all of the bells and whistles of FIFA — sorry Xbox One users, you still can't — but with the magic that only PES can provide. If you're a gameplay purist, then eFootball PES 2020 is definitely worthy of a purchase.
The two-year absence was a bit of a gamble, but the new direction has paid off handsomely for Bigben and Kylotonn. They have delivered an authentic experience that has pushed me to the edge of insanity at times, but in a fun way. The career mode is deep, the graphics are beautiful and the handling is extremely well done. I've mentioned the learning curve as being a steep one, and it most surely is, but it is well worth the required investment of time and effort it takes to gain a firm grasp of the overall experience that awaits you in WRC 8.
One of the biggest complaints in the Heat series has been that the yearly improvements are incremental, and that is probably a fair assessment to a degree. What NASCAR Heat 4 delivers is the most significant year-to-year improvement we have seen yet, and some of the most important regarding on-track progression. If you have been a fan of the series before this year or have shown even the slightest interest in joining the fold, NASCAR Heat 4 delivers some substantial improvements and added depth with this year's release.
As someone who loves basketball and NBA 2K, it hurts me to have such a negative opinion on the current state of the game. I want to be able to recommend this game to everyone and I hope the devs fix everything soon. When it works, NBA 2K20 is one of the best in the entire series, but those moments are too few and far between.
When it comes to text-based sports video games, it’s hard to find one that can keep me coming back again and again. Pro Football 2020 does this and so much more.
MXGP 2019 received some key upgrades in relation to bike and rider physics, game modes and in the UI department, but I am not sure that is enough to describe it as an absolute must-have title for your rotation. Having all the licensed drivers and bikes for MXGP 2019, and the inclusion of the track creator, help justify the purchase for me. However, the lack of career mode improvements, thin online options and average overall depth hold the title back just a bit. In the end, there is some fantastic racing and robust AI here for those who do decide to pick up MXGP 2019.
With the combination of improvements brought forth by core mechanics, better animations, and Superstar X-Factors giving much needed differentiation to average and elite players, Madden 20 is a game that plays well on the field. From here, it now needs some major and minor presentation refinements, tweaks to gameplay and a deeper franchise mode in order to be called an elite sports game.
Snap into the pedals, break away from the pack and pick up Tour de France 2019.
The enjoyment you get from Blood Bowl: Death Zone will depend on the user engaging in the experience. For hardcore fans of this franchise, I’m not sure they will love this version of the game since it goes in a somewhat new direction. I jumped into the franchise for the first time with an open mind and reviewed the game based on what was presented. The gameplay is not bad, but it could use an update to player speed and passing speed.
When what you deliver works on multiple levels, you do not go looking to reinvent the wheel, but rather improve on what is there and branch off into different areas, which is exactly what Codemasters has done. F1 2019 will instantly be one of the top racers in your rotation of racing games, and the depth and options the game provides make F1 an absolute must-buy for all fans of the genre.
MLB The Show 19 has easily the sharpest baseball gameplay in years and is a clear improvement over its predecessors. The on-field product is tremendous, and feels both varied and rewarding. It is a must-have for series newcomers, longtime veterans, and even fans who have skipped a year or two. Franchise mode did not receive the boost that fans were hoping for, but it remains an engaging experience. SIE San Diego Studio has done well to innovate the game and franchise, and I am thrilled to see what the studio puts out next year as well.
I have rarely, if ever, enjoyed text-based sports simulators at a high level, but what Wolverine has accomplished and delivered with DDS: CBB 19 has changed that. The depth, control and functionality here makes it accessible to the masses and helps draw in new members to an already growing community. Even if you're not into text-sim-style games, if you enjoy college basketball then DDS: CBB 19 should provide you with hours of simulated college basketball entertainment.
If you only have a Xbox One and need a baseball game with the MLB license, I would say rent it first to see if you like it. But if you are PS4 owner, I cannot recommend it over The Show or even over Super Mega Baseball 2 on either system.
Overall, Dirt Rally 2.0 can lead to a sense of accomplishment that’s hard to find these days in gaming. If that type of challenge is appealing to you, then having Dirt Rally 2.0 in your rotation is an absolute must.
Black Sheep Studio did a decent job with Spike Volleyball. Volleyball is a fresh genre outside of the power sports, and this game captures the power and precision of the serve. There is a multitude of statistical categories to analyze each player's ability at each position. The game also includes a variety of strategic formations to create an advantage over opposing teams. Be that as it may, the game does not do as well with gameplay that is consistently buggy after the serve.
For Switch owners, especially those looking for a quality management sim, New Star Manager is a must own. At just $19.99, It represents a carefree amusing experience absolutely perfect for your daily travel or free time at home. This is no doubt a very pleasant portable gaming experience that provides a level of depth that's more than heavy enough to hold its own.
While there are some inconsistencies in MESX 2, Milestone has made improvements in almost every area of the title. The gameplay outshines everything else here, and that is never a bad thing. Milestone is one of the most consistent developers in the industry, and the improvements made to MESX 2 do nothing but help solidify that belief in my mind. MESX 2 is a title that delivers both as a single and multiplayer experience, and is deep enough to warrant a long, long run in your rotation. Whether you are new to the series or a veteran of Milestone offerings, you would be doing yourself a disservice by not adding MESX 2 to your library.