Saving Content
HomepageSaving Content's Reviews
The Jackbox Party Pack 8 is a heck of a bundle and honestly one of the strongest they’ve had as a package; it is the most consistent pack Jackbox Games Inc. has created yet. There are hours of fun and hilarity to be had with Party Pack 8, and this game gives no reason why it can’t be in your library of games.
Regardless, TOEM is a delightfully cute adventure and it’s a great way to spend a few hours getting lost in an idealized, zero risk adventure. It’s a perfect palette cleanser between games or at the end of a session of otherwise more action packed titles, or just a great way to chill out for an hour or two. I’d wager it also makes a great introduction to gaming for younger kids, and has the makings of something families can enjoy together, which definitely earns bonus points if you’ve got kids, family members, or partners who like to help find things or solve puzzles without being the one in control. Don’t let the simplicity of TOEM fool you, though; it’s a rich and entertaining experience that’s worth dipping into.
This standalone expansion is only a taste of the incredible gameplay, and should encourage anyone to go get the main game, or even replay it. Aiko’s Choice offers enough to bring new players in at a smaller price point and satiate the fans it has made the last five years – and that’s worth celebrating. The gameplay doesn’t stray from the expected, but it is extremely polished and engaging all the way through. Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun – Aiko’s Choice is an exceptional stealth tactics game, and one of the best expansions to exist.
Chorus has exceptional gameplay and a vast expanse to explore within the confines of its planetary system. It unfortunately suffers from a technical issues that hold it back from greatness. And while it may not have the best voice acting or story, it more than makes up for it with its space combat and freedom to explore through its design. Deep Silver Fishlabs have made gameplay the focal point, and it shows. Chorus is the kind of game you can’t get enough of, and have to experience everything as it’s so rich and engaging.
If you’re looking for something chill to play in between the stressful first-person shooters this holiday season, you can’t go wrong with this calm puzzle game, one that doesn’t overstay its welcome either, lasting only a few hours max. At the end of the day, Unpacking unpacks, a captivating story through its use of the stuff we collect in our lives.
Minor shortcomings aside, Psychonauts 2 is the rare sequel that succeeds in living up to the hype and delivering on the promise set up by its predecessor and many years of anticipation. It is such a treat to spend more time in this world, and I will still staunchly argue that Psychonauts is the best stuff Doublefine has ever created. I love that this exists, I love that a whole new generation of gamers are getting the chance to experience this magnificent world for the first time, and it is so refreshing to see a game with so much creativity get the time, attention, and budget it deserves. Psychonauts 2 is a heartfelt, joyous adventure that ups the ante in every way, and I think it’s a must play experience for anybody who loves a good adventure.
With the modest price and low time commitment it asks of you, Exo One is worth everything that you give it. I’d like to see the developer do more in this universe, but I have no idea what that would even look like. So maybe less is more. The solitude of playing the game is persistent, giving a sense of dread even when you have no attachment to the character or events in the game. All that you feel is the desire to go home, and to be safe and sound in a familiar place again. Exo One is cryptic, experimental, and all-around enchanting.
It’s clear that DICE have some work to do, but this is an incredibly ambitious and auspicious game. The specialists are my least favorite part of the game, especially with their end-of-round quips, but hopefully they’ll find their place in time. Battlefield 2042 delivers on the core gameplay, and the promise of 128-player combat zones in All-Out Warfare. Hazard Zone is off to a favorable and suspenseful start, but it needs more to draw me back regularly. And with Portal, the most memorable mode, Battlefield 2042 protects its future by preserving its past. This is a triple threat offering of multiplayer mastery DICE is known for, and Battlefield 2042 is only getting started.
It’s hard to recommend NASCAR 21: Ignition in its current form. A $60 price tag doesn’t feel justified for the lack of features in this package. There is hope, though, as the racing is still quite good, the graphics look stunning, and the overall fun of being on track is there. But as with every NASCAR release over the years, that can only take you so far. If there was ever a year to skip a NASCAR title, it’s this one. I do look forward to NASCAR 22 in the hope that Motorsport Games nails it. After seeing and feeling what they provided for racing this year, it’s obvious they have talent over there; it just needs to be a more complete package.
Bright Memory: Infinite doesn’t overstay its welcome, but with a lengthy of only an hour and a half to see the credits, feels like it only just got started. And because of that, it still feels like a tech demo that should be something more – a criticism shared by its predecessor. It’s style over substance, but respectful of your time, and that’s hard to find. Bright Memory: Infinite is nothing short of impressive by FYQD-Studio, regardless of anything else. Bright Memory: Infinite’s ambition is never fully realized, but that doesn’t stop it from being a gorgeous, flashy, and entertaining game.
Hoplegs was fun and enjoyable. It’s semi-short but a great game for those days when you don’t have much to do. Maybe you’re waiting for a doctor’s appointment and need to kill some time; the game does well keeping your attention in short bursts. The difficulty is well balanced where puzzles don’t require hours of thought. They’ll challenge you to think “outside of the box,” but they certainly won’t have you throw your arms up in frustration. As of this review, Hoplegs is on Steam for $17.99, falling right in line with what I think is a reasonable price. However, this review was done with a Nintendo Switch copy. It lists for $6.99 on the eShop, and I would say this is certainly a steal on the Switch. Hoplegs is a great game, one that respects your time and allows you to play between errands or when you have a few free moments.
Lovely Planet Remix has so much on offer, you’ll gravitate towards at least one style that you do exceedingly well at. In a lot of ways this feels like an experiment, and it’s one I’m happy to oblige to be the test subject of. I enjoyed every aspect of the game, and the deviation of a singular type of gameplay for many styles totally pays off. Lovely Planet Remix is a total surprise and the most welcome release of the year.
Call of Duty: Vanguard is not a bad game, but it feels halfhearted, with most of its heart poured into the campaign. It’s something that doesn’t live up to its potential, and could’ve been better. If you’re picking this one up, do it for the campaign and stay for the multiplayer to prepare for Warzone. The Zombies mode should be avoided until more content gets added to it in the coming months. We won’t know how Vanguard’s integration into Warzone will influence the battle royale until next month. As it stands, Call of Duty: Vanguard is good enough to get you through until next month where hopefully there’s a more to return for.
Riders Republic is fast, frenetic, and unequivocally fun. Representing the best of extreme sports with a splash of personality. It’s X Games meets Ridiculousness. This is why we come to games: for fun and adventure. Ubisoft Annecy took lessons learned with Steep and Riders Republic is better game because of it. Riders Republic is rambunctious freedom with harrowing sports that’s unparalleled excitement.
Mexico is an incredible location for the fictional Horizon Festival, and really refreshing. Whether it’s the thrill of the race, tools for encouraging creativity, or uninhibited exploration, there’s something for everyone to do and participate in this evolving open-world. While the core formula is unchanged over the years and it’s a lot more of the same – the same is really good. This is a multiplayer game where you can choose to engage with all or none of its systems at any time. Forza Horizon 5 is an outstanding achievement of gameplay and visuals, and is an exquisite open-world racer for the next-generation.
The management aspect was engaging, the art & animations of the dogs made them super adorable, and overall, Little Rock Games made a well-put-together package. If To the Rescue were a dog in need of rescue, I’d be first in line to adopt.
In addition to Steam and Switch releases, Wind Peaks is able to flourish and reach more people on PlayStation and Xbox now. Actoon Studio has a bonafide hit here. I look forward to what they come up with next. It reminds me of staying up late trying to finish my “Where’s Waldo?” books until I found every secret it had contain within. The marriage of hidden object and puzzle concepts are confident and strong in Wind Peaks.
I Am Dead takes pains to emphasize that death is not the end for anybody, so much as a transition into something else. It’s a comforting sentiment and a refreshing take on the grisly finality the death is normally viewed with in games. While it’s far from the first story-driven game to examine the concepts of our own mortality, I Am Dead‘s approach to exploring what it means to have lived and died is both quaint and uplifting, and it makes staring death in the face a surprisingly pleasant affair.
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy is up there as one of the best experiences I’ve had all year. I compare this to the excellent Marvel’s Spider-Man, and he’s my all-time favorite character! A title I hold in high regard. Don’t hold out for these heroes; you’ll want this one in your collection.
Pumpkin Jack is a fun little experience that doesn’t overstay its welcome. For 29.99, it’s not a bad deal and something the young ones in your family could easily enjoy in repeated sessions. The combat is fun, the puzzles are engaging, and the story has that charming storybook feel. If you enjoy 3D Platformers, this isn’t a bad one to give a download.