The Outerhaven Productions
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The Last Guardian is not a perfect game. None is. But I can't think of many titles that deliver such powerful experiences utilizing the tools that only gaming can provide. I couldn't in all honesty sit here and nitpick the controls or the occasional graphical hiccup, because I had too much damn fun and made a great friend along the way.
Uncharted 4: A Thief's End is the most interesting, grounded, and emotional tale within the entire series. It is the most visually stunning game Naughty Dog has developed and has perfected and refreshed much of what the series is so well known for. If you own a PlayStation 4 and are looking for an adventure, this is an absolute must-buy.
There isn't much more to be said. With masterful visuals, combat, and story, Persona 5 is a beautiful foray into the RPG scene. There are some gripes that I have within the game, such as being forced to go to bed after visiting the metaverse or doing anything in the evening. I understand it's to keep stats under control, but perhaps a system where you can start an extra activity each night at the cost of a penalty in XP or social stat gains the next day due to fatigue would have been nice. With that said though, I find it impossible to call Persona 5 anything but a phenomenal experience.
While I didn't think Playground Games could do it again, they absolutely have. Not only does Forza Horizon 4 surpasses their previous entries, but the addition of dynamic seasons helps to push longevity of the game and is well done. Tossing in a huge selection of cars and fun-filled challenges, this game does not disappoint. A game for both car lovers and gamers who love going fast, even if they're sideways while doing it.
To be perfectly honest, it feels good to get reacquainted with an old friend. The original Odin Sphere was one of my favorite RPGs on the PlayStation 2 and I'm happy to see that not only did the game survive the test of time but still offers just enough challenge and fun for even the most jaded gamer. On a presentation level, the game does so many things right; I wasn't really able to find any major flaw and my entire game-play session was a blur as I forgot what time it was after I started playing.
Madden NFL 16 regains its championship swagger in so many ways. The completely revamped Madden Ultimate Team, Connected Franchise, and the absolutely fun Draft Champions modes are definitely the highlight of this game, by far.
All in all, as much as I enjoyed the original game of Bloodborne, I found myself enjoying the DLC just as much, perhaps even a little more. The eerie setting, the backdrops, tons of mindless action, and PVP is just the tip of the iceberg with Bloodborne: The Old Hunters. So much that I know I'll be trying to beat the game just one more time before I perhaps hang it up for good, and anticipate the third coming of Dark Souls.
Witch Beam has created a title that incorporates old-school mechanics and game-play. Souped it up to 9000 and gave it a new coat of paint. The result is perhaps the single most fun title I’ve played in a very long time. A game that doesn’t take its self too seriously at all and more importantly, a title that anyone, regardless of skill level, can pick up and enjoy.
I have to hand it to Playground Games. They took everything that made Forza Horizon 2 great and refined it. There's basically nothing in Forza Horizon 3 that doesn't say perfection. From the moment you press start, the game throws everything it has at you, from flawless execution on or off the track, its presentation, and fun online session / matchmaking. This is, at least for the time being, the pinnacle of racing games for the Xbox One. Forza Horizon 3 has my vote as Game of the Year and if not that, easily the best title on the Xbox One by far.
Steins;Gate is one of those stories that comes around once in a blue moon. Its amazing hook factor coupled with its well fleshed out and engaging characters makes this one of the best science fiction stories of the modern era.
At first glance, Nioh resembles a Dark Souls clone and that's an unfair comparison. While Nioh draws heavily from Dark Souls, Koei Tecmo has provided more than enough features to put Nioh on the same level as Dark Souls. Plenty of action, an engaging combat system that encourages you to develop your own style of play and it's own charming yet deadly world.
In the end, I cannot recommend this game enough. The story is extremely engaging and written intelligently. Much like the previous installment, they handle the notion of time travel and its consequences with great care. Nothing about it seems too far-fetched, either. The series does detract from the humorous tone that it once had, though, but I’m not complaining about it one bit. The darker, serious tone still allows for some light-hearted moments, but when the drama kicks in, it does so in a way that makes you want to pay attention and keep pressing forward.
Red Dead Redemption is a true video game classic, and being in elite company wasn't something that was going to hinder this game's vision. Effective storytelling with fleshed out characters who don't trample over each other, amazing soundtrack, and unrivaled photo-realism makes a truly complete game.
Perhaps the best compliment I can pay Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is that, when push came to shove, I often found myself choosing to play it instead of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. I haven't been this in love with a game since Fire Emblem: Awakening released back in 2013. Do yourself a favor and buy it if you haven't already. You won't find better value anywhere else.
All in all, Graceful Explosion Machine does what it advertises, offers a fun arcade shooter experience, with a significant amount of replay value after you finish your first go round with the game. The vibrant colors and the background music, along with the simplistic yet deep controls, make for a fun experience on and off the road. Graceful Explosion Machine is definitely a must have for your Nintendo Switch.
Madden NFL 18 is near perfection, and I couldn't be happier to continue playing this game.
20XX is everything a Mega Man fan could want and more. The randomness of the game keeps every run fresh and there are enough game modes to keep you coming back over and over again. The only weakness is the lack of variety in the levels that it offers. Despite that flaw, it doesn't halt this game from being highly-addictive and insanely fun! Well worth the price tag!
A masterpiece in terms of storytelling, Yakuza 6 is the most fitting sunset to the Kazuma Kiryu saga. Every little feature of Yakuza 6 is enjoyable from beginning to end, and it seems like the team made a point not to make the game feel slow in any way, even with the amount of exposition that this game has. There are moments where you'll laugh your head off and others where you'll be held in suspense, but it keeps it fresh throughout the game. Even the mini-games and sub-stories keep you coming back, increasing the replay value.
Challenging puzzles framed with one of the most recognizable serial killers in film history mixed with cute graphics would be a weird mix, but it works. Friday the 13th: Killer Puzzle is a great experience that makes you want to give it one more go to get that sweet kill instead of turning you away in frustration when you miss that final character.
Hands down MARVEL Spider-Man is one of the BEST games I have played all year. Within moments of swinging out into the streets of New York I was hooked. From there the game took me on a wild ride that I wished would not stop. Loaded with references to other Spider-Man games, the movies, TV show, Cartoons and of course the comics; MARVEL Spider-Man is the ultimate comic book video game if not 2018 Game of the Year… Fight me!!