GamingBolt
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Avowed doesn't reinvent the wheel and it isn't the most deep or complex RPG, but thanks to strong writing, storytelling, world-building, combat, and exploration, it succeeds in delivering an engaging experience that fans of the genre will want to check out.
Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered is just about everything fans could have wanted. All the great quality of life features from I-III return here in addition to new restored content for Tomb Raider VI. While this remaster doesn't completely fix the problems with the black sheep of the series, Tomb Raider VI, it does make the experience much better. Like the first collection, IV-VI Remastered is a huge value for what you get and is a must-buy for fans of the series or classic games.
The latest addition to Falcom's long-running RPG series isn't a complete disaster, but it's far from a triumph, and the new features barely raise it above the underwhelming story.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is a polished open-world RPG that outdoes its AAA competition at every turn. Some of the realism can bog down the gameplay, but the intricate dialogue choices and perk tree compel me to forgive some of the returning irritants. And the story, just wow. I can't say enough great things about the characterizations, dialogue, story twists, activities, and cinematography packed into KCD2's main quest; it's simply the best in the genre.
While Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is able to surpass its two predecessors in just about everything from gameplay to story, the PC port is in desperate need of optimization patches.
Boasting a rich and imaginative sci-fi setting, stellar writing and storytelling, and addictive, choice-driven gameplay, Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector improves on its excellent predecessor to deliver an even more memorable experience.
Mixing elements from Breath of the Wild with Shadow of the Colossus sounds amazing on paper, but Eternal Strands somehow renders it a merely average experience. The gameplay loop is fine, but slightly held back by backtracking and some noticeably absent features common to the genre (like a minimap and compass). I wanted to love the story considering this has some old-school Bioware talent behind it, but the lack of a hook in the plot and some very dull characters made me want to skip dialogue often. I like Eternal Strands well enough, but there's plenty of other similar games that offer a more compelling experience.
While this remaster doesn't do justice to this game's significant legacy, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is still a good way to play a very addictive game.
Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap's new rogue-lite mechanics add some interesting twists to a classic formula, but the tower defense aspects are the true star of the show.
Sniper Elite: Resistance delivers more of the excellent tactical stealth shooting action that Sniper Elite 5 boasted three years ago. It might be a familiar experience, but for genre fans, it's still an easy recommendation.
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black isn't the most definitive version of the classic but it will remind you why it's so well-regarded in the first place.
A promising set-up and gorgeous art direction aren't enough to mask the shortcomings of Odd Bug Studio's sequel.
Synduality: Echoes of Ada is an extraction shooter that, while really easy to get into, might be difficult to stick with considering its bland art style and simplistic gameplay that ends up not having enough depth.
It's good this game is cheap because there's not a lot here worth really digging into unless you're a hardcore Star Wars game fan or have a friend to burn some hours with. Despite the many irritants embedded in the game's core design, this remaster has polished some of the rough parts and even added a slew of new playable characters. Even though I don't strongly recommend this particular Star Wars title, I laud the effort to preserve classic games for newer hardware.
Freedom Wars Remastered is the 2014 classic through and through, with some bells and whistles. Just don't expect any massive overhauls or new content.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is still the same game roughly one year later, but the PC version fulfills the promise of improved fidelity.
Whether you appreciate the genre or loved its predecessor, Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist is a must-play experience.
Blade Chimera is one of the most good-looking and engaging platformer titles out there. It easily taps into its classical influences while still maintaining its own identity. At worst, it can sometimes be an annoying game that hides crucial information. If you can overlook some of its flaws, Blade Chimera will be well worth your time.
JRPGs like this don't come very often. The plot charges ahead at a brisk pace while the well-written characters develop through the web of deceit. The sheer quantity and quality of the combat and the variety it offers will have RPG fans feasting for a long while.
Dynasty Warriors: Origins is not only the best entry point for newcomers, but one of the best offerings the series has had in recent memory. The intimate zoomed-in story portrays the Three Kingdoms figures as likeable and complex characters with compelling motives. Combat can be hit or miss, but there's no denying the unmatched scale and spectacle of the 1-v-1000 battles.