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MLB The Show 22 is the best looking and sounding baseball game I've ever played. There are still improvements that I want to see in the future, as many of us do, but that doesn't mean I can't separate what I hope to see in the future from what is so good about this year's game. At the end of the day, MLB The Show 22 is a damn good baseball game.
If you're a newcomer to the franchise, the depth of the title can feel a bit intimidating and somewhat confusing at the beginning. Navigating through the world of college basketball isn't easy, and the realistic approach that Wolverine Studios delivered here reflects that element of things. That said, the community and developers are very helpful over on their forums, so you should be able to get over that hump. For veterans, the title's new inclusions also make Draft Day Sports: College Basketball 22 a worthy upgrade.
The bottom line here is that I had an absolute blast with Monster Energy Supercross 5, and it delivered an experience that was fun, satisfying, authentic, and addicting. Adding Monster Energy Supercross 5 to your rotation is a must, whether you're a newcomer, casual, hardcore fan, or just a fan of racing in general. If you have never played this series before, now is the time. If you're a veteran, your voice is being heard, and you can feel it everywhere in the newest edition of this long-running franchise.
Regardless, WWE 2K22 has many strengths. You have MyRise, which is a highlight for me. On top of that, the thought of how amazing some of the community creations will be has me excited as always. And last but not least, the gameplay is greatly improved. If you have been waiting on a great game of WWE 2K between the ropes, then yes, WWE 2K22 hits different after a long lull.
Racing fans have waited a long time for the arrival of Gran Turismo 7, and I believe the wait was worth it.
From the moment I fired up Grid Legends, I was impressed with the improvements and additions across the board. If you're a racing fan, an adrenaline junkie, or somewhere in between, Grid Legends should be given the chance to impress you.
There are some weaknesses to the game though, and the biggest one that hopefully get some updates relates to how the visuals are lagging behind other releases. There is no question Tennis Elbow 4 right now lacks in detail and fluid animations. Online play is hampered by an absence of decent menus and matchmaking, making it necessary to become an active member of the Tennis Elbow 4 community if you ever want to find a match most of the time.
Rarely does a football game come along that offers the ability to enjoy a franchise, a draft, ability to edit, and package it together in such a fun and approachable way. Retro Bowl does just that and now has made the experience even better on the Nintendo Switch.
You could run a 20-year dynasty with one team and start over with another team and have a completely new experience, and that is due to the depth and longevity of this title. When you add in the ability to mod the game and create real rosters, it's easy to say this is another solid entry in the sports management portfolio for Wolverine Studios.
OlliOlli World is worth the $30 and so much more.
Windjammers 2 is available on just about every major console and PC.
Small meaningful improvements to nearly every aspect of the game is where you want to be as a gaming company, regardless of the genre, and Sports Interactive delivers with Football Manager 2022.
The game offers a hefty set of options for both online and offline players, and the online portion is as solid as ever. If you are like me and most of your time will be spent on the track in career mode or online racing against friends, then adding MXGP 2021 to your rotation is simply a must. The game still has a few legacy issues, but the positives far outweigh the negatives when it comes to MXGP 2021.
If OOTP Baseball is the ideal sports sim (and it is every year for me), FHM is still a couple notches below that mark. The hardcore hockey fan in your life will enjoy this game. But as someone who owns both FHM and OOTP, the hockey game reminds me of just how great the baseball game is. Playing FHM makes me want to play OOTP instead.
Forza Horizon 5 is the type of game that connects people both in-game and out, and it is equally fun playing solo or playing with a group of friends in a party. This game doesn't need you to be a fan of racing, and it doesn't ask you to be good at driving games. It just asks you to have fun.
Riders Republic lets you play how you want, when you want, at whatever pace you choose. Since our gaming habits tend to vary from time to time, that is an amazing approach. Riders Republic is a throwback for the modern gaming world, and it's one that can be picked up and enjoyed today, next week, next month, or next year. Ubisoft took what Steep started and made something even more worthwhile this time around.
I adore Motorsport Games, and the talent that has come on board is very strong. Their passion and ability will never be questioned in my mind. That said, unless you are fine with racing a series of short "race now" races and have zero expectations of anything more, I couldn't recommend this title unless some serious patches are dropped in the very near future.
NHL 22 Makes Successful Transition to Next-Gen Consoles
If you are looking for a title that delivers all the thrills of running a pro franchise with real depth and choices that have a real impact on your franchise, picking up DDS: Pro Football 22 is an excellent option and an easy on ramp for those looking to enter this genre for the first time.
I understand why some may be perched on the fence like Tiny Hawk, and maybe you are better off waiting for the holiday sales and the physics to improve. But I'm easy to please, and Skatebird is exactly what I expected. Sure, there are some frustrating moments, but it's a creative representation of the sport I love. It's fun and quirky. And with a quick learning curve and by paying homage to one of the greats, I think most folks could enjoy this arcade skater.