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Death Stranding is less like a masterwork from a newly liberated veteran, and feels more like a debut effort of an imaginative and yet still unrefined game creator. Its convoluted story is propped up by a solid cast, and the very dull gameplay is just helped along by the well implemented multiplayer. It will only really appeal to fans of a very specific game subgenre, or those who enjoy unbridled narratives.
Planet Zoo is undoubtedly the most authentic zoo simulator you can play, perhaps to an extent that will deter some people. While micro-management and organization can be frustrating at times, the beauty of your creations, welfare of your animals, and happiness of your guests makes all that effort worthwhile.
Disco Elysium is an experience that other developers will be hurrying to unpack so they can try to steal some of its magic. It's been a long time since a video game story has gotten its hooks into me quite as this one has. Despite some shortcomings, I'll be remembering the characters and moments from this adventure for years to come.
Crammed with different modes and maps, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare offers extensive multiplayer possibilities. The online action is slower, with emphasis on sound cues and open maps, and the campaign is better than average thanks to mission variety and choreographed house incursions. Despite the PC technical issues, it is a noteworthy reboot.
With relevant and humorous commentary on corporate greed and bureaucracy underpinning this smaller scale but highly replayable new IP, The Outer Worlds excels as a Fallout-style RPG thanks to great writing, interesting choices and memorable characters.
Abandon Ship is generally enjoyable thanks to its entertaining naval combat system. Narratively ambitious, it does suffer primarily at the hands of some contradictory, tedious or lackluster mechanics - mostly throughout its campaign gameplay.
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 does little to make you excited for the real event next year. Its collection of sports minigames varies in quality, the story is dull, and with a surprising lack of structured party play, there's not a lot of value here for the full asking price.
The core gameplay of Driven Out proves solid and satisfying, and is enhanced by some super nostalgic retro sensibilities. Yet, the combat just seems a touch too slow on your part and imbalanced in favor of your AI opponents, which tends to make it tough to stick with the basic, somewhat repetitive gameplay in the long run.
Afterparty is one of the smartest games I've played this year. The characters are great, the dialogue is smart, and the drinking mechanics are inspired. If you can forgive its technical issues and a slow start, you too can enjoy the best drinks Hell has to offer.
WWE 2K20 is a complete debacle, and in the running for the worst entry in the series to date. Outside of the solid 2K Showcase and plethora of match options, this is a downgrade in almost every way. The visuals are repulsive, there are glitches everywhere you look, and the gameplay has been significantly compromised.
All in all, Bad North's gameplay is very engaging and keeps you on your feet. Despite some weakness in the narrative department, most design choices pay off. It is a polished experience that has kept me entertained for a good amount of time.
Moons of Madness needed to cut away all of the extra ideas on the periphery and figure out what it's about. There are so many themes and concepts shoved into the adventure that they sprawl all over each other, taking up time and space, and failing to scare anyone.
Luigi's Mansion 3 brings the franchise back from slumber without skipping a beat, offering tightly designed gameplay mechanics, enticing exploration, and the typical Nintendo charm.
MediEvil is a remake that should have taken more chances. Specifically, the gameplay needed to be reimagined for a 2019 audience. Instead, it just feels dated and obnoxious in a way that spoils its redeeming qualities.
Deliver Us The Moon offers a strong mystery on Earth's natural satellite. Plentiful world interaction, detailed environments, and a good structure help with pacing, although linearity and a lack of definitive answers make for a rough landing.
Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince is a welcome return for the franchise. It's arguably the best entry to date thanks to creative level design, gorgeous landscapes and excellent multiplayer. It may not be a new take on the formula like some expected, but considering the last time Frozenbyte tried that, perhaps this is for the best.
Compared to its predecessor, Ghost Recon Breakpoint takes one step forward then tumbles down a hill.
This sometimes convoluted action RPG won't be for everyone. Still, Code Vein should draw in anime fans looking for a gripping, challenging gaming experience. Souls fans should enjoy this too, assuming they're seeking combat that's a tad less stressful, with additional colorful twists to the old formula.
GRID is an average racing reboot with no real personality. Despite the short races, strong AI, two new street tracks, and the shift towards arcade, it struggles because of so many recycled tracks, poor damage modeling, and disappointing multiplayer.
Fans of the film will certainly find things to like, but as you dig deeper into John Wick Hex, more and more of its flaws begin to surface. Bithell has always proven himself a creative game-maker, but he can't stick the landing on this one.