GamingBolt
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If you loved the original, you're going to love Spelunky 2, and find it equal to its predecessor in all ways except one- where the original was a trail blazer, the new game seems content to, much like it asks of its players, simply plumb into familiar depths.
When all is said and done, though Tell Me Why doesn't necessarily disturb the established Dontnod template too much, it executes it well enough that that doesn't ever seem like an issue. Excellent characters, strong writing, and a deeply personal plot help the player connect with the story. In the end, that most criticisms of the game can be boiled down to "I wish I had had more time to spend in its world and with its characters" should, ultimately, be all that really needs to be said about Tell Me Why.
NBA 2K21 makes welcome improvements to its MyCareer and MyTeam modes, but the frustratingly inconsistent new shooting system and lack of changes elsewhere make it feel like it's lost its step over other sports games.
Tony Hawk's pro Skater 1+2 is a near-perfect remake of two classic games that proves that, like Tony Hawk himself, some things only get better with age.
If you've never played this game before, or if you want to dive back into it but don't have access to an older copy, Re-Reckoning is easy to recommend- but only because the game itself is as good as it is. If you were hoping for an impressive visual upgrade, this isn't it, and those who already have access to a copy of the original game should probably save their money.
There have been plenty of moments during my time with Marvel's Avengers where I've genuinely had a great time. But this game keeps finding ways to drag itself down- at times it almost feels like it goes out of its way to do so. There's just so much here that I can't overlook, no matter how hard I may try. An unnecessary and broken loot system, a litany of horrible technical issues, uninspired and one-note mission design, and a story that fails just as much as it succeeds- it doesn't matter how mindlessly fun the combat is, it isn't enough to overcome such a heavy list of problems.
Surgeon Simulator 2 leverages its predecessor's unique gameplay into a full-fledged experience with a story and co-op. Despite some positives here and there, annoying controls, boring puzzles and tedious gameplay make for an overall trying time.
Despite some technical issues, WRC 9 delivers on its core mechanics, offering a deep and rewarding off-road racing game.
Despite some flaws, AWE is a very good expansion that brings Alan Wake into Remedy's shared universe and teases exciting things for the future.
Project CARS 3 is a serious departure from the franchise's roots. It takes a lot of risks, but those willing to make the jump will find a fun and rewarding racing experience
Captain Tsubasa: Rise of New Champions is not a perfect game, and it's not the most mechanically dense game, but thankfully, it doesn't have to be. Its strengths lie in its unhinged, over-the-top on-pitch action and its delightfully silly presentation. If you're looking for a football game that lets you focus on all the fun aspects of the sport while ignoring almost everything to do with tactics and strategy, this is the game for you.
No Straight Roads looks great, sounds great, and has great characters- but it has major gameplay issues that bring down the whole experience.
Windbound can be made to sound excellent in an elevator pitch, but the actual game is plagued by conflicting ideas, inconsistent design, and unrealized potential.
Madden NFL 21 is as fun and realistic as every Madden game, especially in its new "The Yard" mode and its increased focus on superstars, but its stagnation in gameplay innovation and established modes makes it sometimes difficult to distinguish its improvements over previous games.
Wasteland 3 is a heady crescendo of post-apocalyptic story-telling. Its combat is compelling and fun while its characters and overall plot are engrossing, even when it goes to some dark places. A must-play for tactical RPG fans.
Battletoads' grand return largely sticks the landing. While some shortcomings make it a recommendation with caveats, it's still a fun, engaging, and clever game that fans of the genre should look into.
PGA Tour 2K21 feels like the best sports game released ten years ago. Unfortunately, it just feels too dated to truly compete with other, modern sports games.
EA Sports UFC 4 is a fun fighting game. It may not be the most innovative game, but it's solid from front to back, with plenty to offer to new and returning players alike.
Hyper Scape is a game that you'll probably want to like, but only the most forgiving players will be able to overcome its contradictory design.
Hellraid is an interesting concept on paper, but a dull and monotonous experience in reality.