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Life is Strange: Double Exposure is an excellent sophomore outing for beloved protagonist Max Caulfield. Given how sacred so many still hold the original, it was no surprise that there was some skepticism out there there over whether Deck Nine would be able to deliver a sequel that doesn’t just feel like a cheap, nostalgia-baiting cashgrab, but that is very much not the case. Double Exposure earns and justifies its existence from second one, and tells a gripping tale that will keep you hooked until the credits have rolled.
A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead is a solid effort initially, but pacing issues, iffy creature AI, repetitive gameplay, and other issues hamper it.
New World: Aeternum has made some great changes in time for its console release, and while the endgame might not have too much to offer yet, the leveling process is plenty of fun, especially if you go deep into the crafting system.
With an enhanced version of one of the series' best 3D outings to date, as well as a legitimately great brand-new adventure starring a returning fan-favourite, Sonic X Shadow Generations is well worth a look for fans of Sega's platforming franchise.
With a beloved IP and a promising gameplay loop, Starship Troopers: Extermination started with all the potential in the world. Unfortunately, its exit from early access falters due to technical issues and questionable design decisions.
Unknown 9: Awakening is a generally solid action-adventure mystery let down by irritatingly repetitive combat encounters in the game's later half. The character dialogue and environmental exploration are a highlight, keeping me playing even when other aspects annoyed me.
While MechWarrior 5: Clans could use some more polish, it is a solid sequel that captures the excitement of giant mechs tearing each other in realistic skirmishes.
Ys 10: Nordics isn't a bad game and offers plenty of action RPG fun for newcomers and veterans. However, some design elements feel off, leveling off what should be the series' next ascent to greatness.
Europa is a peaceful experience while still managing to be a compelling 3D platformer in its own right. Despite the utter lack of any threat, it never stops being fun thanks to its gorgeous visuals and simple gameplay.
As improved as Diablo 4 has become since its launch, Vessel of Hatred feels like the best and worst of it. The new end-game activities may be worthwhile, but story fans might want to think twice before jumping in.
Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO isn't perfect, with Episode Battle falling somewhat short in its ambitions, but it's an excellent recreation of the series' power fantasy.
Almost six years after Gris, Nomada Studio delivers another emotional masterpiece with Neva that tugs at your heartstrings while offering a smorgasbord of vibrant sights and sounds.
Undisputed delivers impressive graphical detail and an extensive fighter roster that will satisfy boxing fans. The moment to moment boxing mechanics feel fun while leaning into the sim territory with the game's sixty different punches. While the modes within Undisputed don't warrant the asking price of $59.99, the character options, fighting mechanics, and deep roster are enough to satisfy fans of the genre.
Shattered Space is a fun and meaty addendum for those who enjoyed what Starfield's base experience had to offer, but those hoping for any significant improvements will be left disappointed.
Though it's hard not to see the validity of criticisms over its pricing and and questions over whether it even needed to be made, the Until Dawn remake is ultimately a solid and enhanced new version of a modern horror classic.
Bloober Team and Konami's remake of the 2001 classic is easily one of the best survival horror games out there. The new Silent Hill 2 easily stands amongst the likes of Resident Evil 2 and Dead Space, making it a must-play game for veterans and newcomers alike.
Throne and Liberty might end up being a fine MMORPG in the long term, but currently, it has little in the way of new or interesting ideas to draw players away from other heavyweights in the genre.
NHL 25 supplies a more sim-like experience than past entries thanks to heightened puck control and enhanced AI. As a result, this year's iteration feels more authentic and 'next-gen', but does little else to differentiate itself from prior entries. Game modes in particular remain practically untouched, featuring the same suite of features from NHL 24. This is a solid hockey game bolstered by improved AI and small incremental improvements, but its changes don't feel as substantial as other titles in EA's lineup.
Echoes of Wisdom is a great maiden adventure for the franchise's eponymous princess, marrying old and new convincingly, and setting up a foundation for 2D Zelda games to thrive alongside their bigger 3D cousins.
Seeing Spiders go in a completely different direction with GreedFall 2: The Dying World is bizarre. There is some promise, but it needs a healthy amount of time and polish to develop into something worthwhile.