GamingBolt
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Sengoku Dynasty is a game that could have, and dare I say should have, been so much more than it is. There's an inherent simplicity to its gameplay loop that lends it a sort of relaxing charm, but ultimately leads it to being an uninspiring take on an era in Japanese history that brings a lot of potential to the table.
Sword of the Sea is like a siren - beautiful, inviting and great to listen to. Despite cutting through with an impeccable sense of style, the lack of a cohesive narrative and short runtime feels like you're treading water.
EA hasn't reinvented the wheel, but their latest NFL outing still managed to impress me. Every mode, except Ultimate Team, has been enhanced with more engaging systems and streamlined features. The presentation feels livelier and more dynamic, with a welcome dose of college football DNA. Unfortunately, sluggish load times and a few poor interface choices continue to plague the yearly series.
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Definitive Edition lives up to its title, delivering the best way to experience the classic RTS, even if it could use a bit more polish.
A must-play for Demon Slayer and shonen anime fans, though newcomers will also find plenty to enjoy despite minor flaws.
Echoes of the End offers an engaging couple of days of play, thanks to its intriguing story setup and well-paced mix of combat and puzzles.
Mafia: The Old Country is a worthy addition to the long-running crime franchise. It excels with a strong cast, high production values, and a story you'll genuinely care about, all supported by simple yet effective combat systems. However, its lower price point likely limited its overall scope, which in turn impacts its replay value. But if you're someone who wants games to respect your time and are tired of overly long, bloated open world experiences, Mafia: The Old Country is absolutely worth your attention.
Paying homage to the classics while simultaneously serving as a breath of fresh air, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound masterfully builds on the side-scrolling format of the older titles while adding its own twists.
Killing Floor 3 could have been an intriguing futuristic take on the franchise, but ultimately fumbles in every single way that matters.
Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game is an excellent way to take a break between playing more intensive titles. While fans of Tolkien's works might find the gameplay to be interesting, there isn't much to chew on when it comes to the story.
It's a new era for Destiny 2 and Bungie as a whole, and it shows with The Edge of Fate's scale. However, the execution, especially in new systems like Matterspark, leaves much to be desired.
While it doesn't reinvent the Soulslike formula, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers executes the fundamentals with confidence.
Donkey Kong Bananza is a groundbreaking 3D platformer from the Super Mario Odyssey team that pushes the genre to thrilling new heights.
Shadow Labyrinth is a very polished and well-balanced experience that is well worth the effort you will put into learning its mechanics. While its controls could use a bit of tweaking to perfect, it's a game that showcases the best of Bandai Namco both literally and figuratively, and is one that I was delighted to play thanks to its story and excellent level design.
Robocop: Unfinished Business is an absolute blast to play for both newcomers and veterans alike, with Teyon creating a focused experience that sets a very frantic pace for its main story while ensuring that its visuals and audio sustain the quality of its top-notch gameplay. Robocop feels like a real tank and a force to be reckoned with in the field, while his human side gets a couple of nice touches in quiet moments, making his time in OmniTower well worth experiencing for yourself.
The Enhanced Edition isn't a major overhaul, some original issues like the clunky UI and awkward camera still persist. In return, you get improved visuals and high-resolution textures. But even with its flaws, Neverwinter Nights 2 and its Mask of the Betrayer expansion continue to offer exceptional storytelling that holds up remarkably well. Play it for the nostalgia.
While it may not overtake its inspiration, Ready or Not offers an unflinching tactical shooter experience with tense missions and brutal circumstances.
An easy recommendation for fans of the series, Patapon 1 + 2 Replay still carries much of the same charm - and annoyances - of the original releases.
If you're a college football fan, this year's EA offering is a no-brainer. Even for newcomers, it's worth checking out thanks to the impressive customization and depth packed into the game. Coaches now have realistic counterparts, while new archetypes and a revamped transfer portal add meaningful layers to Dynasty mode. There are some hiccups, like persistent online lag, but overall, the series is clearly on a winning trajectory.
Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream won't offer anything that stealth aficionados haven't seen before, but its world-building and gameplay execution make it worth a look.