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“Risk of Rain Returns” has its own flavor while staying true to what made the original special. I might not agree with the chaotic nature that longer playthroughs become, but with so many positives, so many hours already pumped into it — and many to come —, it’s hard not to fall in love with it. If you manage to fall in love, I recommend checking the original game if you haven’t and its sequel. But, a fair warning: I won’t be responsible for the hours you might spend in each game. Whether this goes to the dozens or to the hundreds. What I can say is: buckle up, it will be one hell of a ride, and one I’m happy that it exists. I’m happy that “Risk of Rain” is “back”, I’m happy that I’m having a great time with it. I hope you will too.
All in all, Lake: Season’s Greetings is a solid choice of prequel DLC that takes everything I enjoyed in the base games and gives me more of it. I found the new characters entertaining while enjoying learning more about the characters I came to know from the original game. But mostly, the short runtime does the DLC a solid by not making your time in Providence Oaks feel like a slog. As I mentioned earlier, if you enjoyed the original Lake, you’ll undoubtedly get some warm and fuzzy feelings playing Season’s Greetings. If you want that nice and cozy experience, do what I did: grab some fuzzy socks, a mug filled with hot cocoa, and deliver some mail. The only way the experience would have been better is if snow was falling outside my own window.
There is, undoubtedly, a good game buried in here somewhere. There are certainly moments where you can tell care was taken. The models for each character are quite good. The voices give the models life. The stages help you feel at home in the world. The couch co-op experience leads to lots of fun moments. But, the games has too many other flaws for it to earn my recommendation. It’s got too many rough edges in areas that a fighting game of its nature should have spent far more time polishing. I really, really, wanted it to be good. I’m sure they’ll figure it out by Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 3.
Call of Duty HQ needlessly complexes the game loading process, as switching between games and modes requires relaunching a different executable. The campaign is hurried along in an unenjoyable way with open mission design that takes away from what makes the series great. Zombies mode is completely forgettable and a rehash of DMZ, which is not included or playable in Modern Warfare III . Multiplayer does the heavy lifting, and really only stays strong through nostalgia of the original Modern Warfare 2. While the maps hold a timeless appeal, it doesn’t feel fresh or new as an experience. This is a game that barely stands on its own. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III is unlike other games, it’s not broken, just bad and lacking any redeeming values.
Dungeons 4 hasn’t changed a whole lot, but it is far more refined. Realmforge Studios have really found their stride here. The game balances challenge with power fantasy that just works so well. It continues the wonderful escapades of underground excavation with the best of real-time strategy – and that’s turtling to steamroll the enemies. Dungeons 4 does Dungeon Keeper legacy proud, and is a devilishly good time.
GUNHEAD is a fine game on its own, because it contains all the pieces that made CRYPTARK so good. That said, GUNHEAD feels surprisingly unambitious as it plays just like its forebear, albeit through a different lens. I’ll say that if you didn’t like the 2D side-scrolling shooting of CRYPTARK , then the 3D first-person shooting of GUNHEAD is probably more appealing. It’s unfortunate that the 3D space is hard to gain awareness of approaching dangers, and the fact it resembles the prior game so much that it doesn’t feel new or fresh. GUNHEAD contains the formula of a great a tried-and-true roguelike that you should at least try before you buy.
HOT WHEELS UNLEASHED 2 – Turbocharged is the kind of game to bring friends, siblings, or others together and play for hours on end. Then when they’re done, go into their closets and start playing with real Hot Wheels sets. The sophomore entry hasn’t changed much, so it’s more of the same, but it’s more of a great game. Milestone is a great fit as the developer of this series, and it’s a good time for all. HOT WHEELS UNLEASHED 2 – Turbocharged features wonderful locations, action-packed racing, and a virtual collection to rival all collections – there’s so much to love in the sequel.
In a year that’s been packed full of incredible games, Alan Wake II is yet another strong contender for Game of the Year and is an experience that’s not to be missed, whether you’ve played the original game or not. It fully delivers on the promise of what Remedy has been building towards for decades, and sets a new high bar for what games can and should be. If horror isn’t necessarily your thing, turn the difficulty down to “Story” mode and get in there anyway; it’s an amazing game that will take you on a ride you will never forget, and I’m willing to bet it’ll make a Remedy fan out of nearly anybody who plays it. This is a truly special, genre defining, studio defining game that only comes along once in a very long while. I cannot overstate just how good this game is; whether you are a longtime fan, or if this is your initiation into the universe of Alan Wake, this is an absolute must play game that will leave you thinking about it long after you reach the ending credits. Alan Wake II is Remedy’s masterpiece, and it is glorious to behold.
For the first time in many years, I don’t have to keep DiRT Rally 2.0 and the annual WRC game installed simultaneously. Additionally, the DiRT series doesn’t have to live a life of dual identity anymore. Despite some minor quibbles with some modes being hollow, or some concerns of performance, this freshman offering is simply great – and what smooths a lot of this over is its moderate pricing. WRC puts World Rally Championship on full display, and this next-generation rally renaissance is not to be missed.
You will find one of the most fascinating, rewarding and in-depth souls like out there. Lords of the Fallen deserves to sit next to some of the genre best, such as NioH 2, Lies of P and so many others. It brings its own flavor to the table, even if it sometimes tastes sour. I’m more than sure that I will be back to it sooner rather than later. Mournstead is calling me, and I already have many planned builds to tweak with.
Colossal Order offers an intricate deep simulation of a city builder. Aside from the taxing performance, it’s simply amazing to see in motion. For the price, you get a metropolis-sized game full of options. It’s also one of those things where I can’t wait to see what this game is like eight years from now. Cities: Skylines II offers the next-generation of the city builder that constantly impressed and amazed.
The Jackbox Party Pack 10 is an excellent bundle of games. There are hours of fun to be had here, and you better believe the laughs and finger-pointing accompanying the Party Packs are here, too. With both Tee K.O. and the new Dodo Re Mi included in Jackbox Party Pack 10, you must absolutely include this Party Pack into your game night itineraries!
There’s a good game here in Endless Dungeon, but it’s missing the heart and humour that was so prevalent in Dungeon of the ENDLESS. While changing up the mechanics enough to make this a new game it also somehow lost the aspects that made it’s predecessor so good to begin with. I didn’t have the capacity to make it through a full run of the game, something that will take anyone time as it’s designed around multiple attempts, but I definitely feel as though I have seen everything Endless Dungeon has to offer currently. Hopefully it’ll receive updates to increase the variation to the objectives and find some new ways to keep the time between waves engaging.
Is Total War Pharaoh a worthy successor to the historical franchise? Yes. Total War: Pharaoh takes more steps forwards than back, and I can live with that. At least, it didn’t crash and burn like so many civilizations it portrays, so that’s something.
Turn10 has another hit on their hands in Motorsport. Where the previous three may have slowly descended with tricks like cards and boosts and the like, Forza Motorsport in 2023 gets us back to what matters: the racing, and with the focus on the CaRPG, ties us even closer to the cars we love to drive. Turn10 plans for this to be an ever-growing game, a live-service title if you will, so if Forza Motorsport is excellent now, one can only imagine how much better this will be down the road.
Assassin's Creed Mirage offers an engaging experience, blending historical accuracy with the intrigue of the Assassin's Creed series. While the graphics are crisp, they may not represent a significant leap from the previous title, Valhalla. The shift towards a more stealth-focused gameplay mechanic is a welcome return to the series' roots, although combat mechanics could benefit from some refinement. The upgrade system aligns with Valhalla's mechanics and doesn't overload you with weapon choices. However, the game is marred by frustrating checkpoint issues, stronghold respawn mechanics I don't like, and occasional merchant prompt problems. Despite these drawbacks, Mirage successfully brings the series back to its stealthy origins and provides an enjoyable gaming experience for fans of the franchise like myself.
ABRISS is just a towering achievement of a building and destruction simulation game, offering a unique and visually stunning experience. It successfully blends innovative mechanics with addictive gameplay, making it a can’t miss. While there are a few minor areas where it could improve, the overall package is highly enjoyable for all. ABRISS – build to destroy encourages you to smash it up, and stands tall among the crowd.
Pizza Possum has more than enough meat to satisfy. It’s a game that you might be done in two to four hours, but for the price, it’s really fun. This is one of those games that just about anyone can pick-up and play. It’s a rare kind of game that doesn’t too much out of you, and you can get a lot of enjoyment from it with each person you introduce to it. Pizza Possum is bite-sized game with meal-sized fun, and it truly delivers.
El Paso, Elsewhere calls back to the early 2000s with slow motion dives and psychedelic dream sequences with platforming, but it fails to feel like it's breaking new ground despite its differences. This is a Max Payne -like that doesn't have a sense of place or personality. A motel just doesn't cut it, no matter what you do with the interior. There's a lot to like with the story set around responsibility, the neo-noir writing, and even its aesthetic. But when it comes to gameplay, you'll get into a rhythm with it, but it can't keep up with its own beat. El Paso, Elsewhere is fun for its runtime, but you'll be ready for it to be over once the credits roll.
The Crew Motorfest will do a lot get your motor running. It's felt as each game in this series has been closing in on Forza Horizon , and if you want a new flavor to try, this is it. There's a breadth of content to explore and race in, and there's sure to be many favorites. While Hawaii is not an all-new location to racing games, and it may feel like you've been here before, but it's like your favorite vacation destination that you want to revisit. The Crew Motorfest celebrates motoring's past, present, future with much respect and tons of fun.