Goomba Stomp
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Mario Kart 8 Deluxe can hardly be called a mere re-release. The substantial amount of additional content coupled with the obvious superiority of the Switch creates a brand new experience almost worthy of being called its own game. With a versatility that’s unmatched by any other entry in the series, this game is a must-buy for newcomers and veterans alike.
Though the main campaign is a little on the easy side, the continuous ability-switching, along with increasingly complex level design, provides a surprising sense of progression and expansiveness. As a result, 'Bye-Bye BoxBoy!' caps off HAL Laboratory’s puzzle platforming trilogy at a high point.
Despite some relatively minor blemishes, Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment is an innovative and satisfying experience I would recommend to any fan of 2D platformers or retro games.
What Remains of Edith Finch evolves the walking simulator in a way that shows a new aspect of what gaming is capable of, both in terms of immersion and storytelling. This is the game.
A beautiful game with a fitting soundtrack, Night in the Woods pleases with its writing but fails in everything else with artificial choices, pacing problems, and an ending that doesn't go with the tone set in the beginning.
A terrible platformer, only redeemed by the occasional bit of challenge, and a decent soundtrack.
Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap sets the standard for remakes in the future. Lizard Cube has done a fantastic job in creating an imaginative world that still caters to fans of the original, as neither party has to make compromises here. The audio and visual switching mechanic works flawlessly and is easily the most exciting part about this title. While some of the game’s mechanics may seem dated due to the original title's age, it’s the gorgeous world and satisfying gameplay that make this game an easy recommendation.
Persona 5 is a great game that sets a high bar with its amazing visuals, audio, gameplay, and story. It is a definitive purchase for anyone who finds themselves to be a fan of role-playing games, Japanese or otherwise.
Though lacking in polished visuals and complexity of design, 'Mr. Shifty' still drives home the sheer pleasure of its teleportation-based combat, offering a satisfying way to spend a few hours punching bad guys in the face.
Despite a unique design concept and a visually appealing art style, Drawn to Death fails to capture the magic of a truly great arena shooter, and degrades its quality with unfunny dialogue and juvenile insults.
Mass Effect: Andromeda is a great game buried under a mountain poor design choices and narrative shortcomings. Everything is more complicated than it needs to be, and the sheer amount of busy work forced upon the player is staggering, but if you can be bothered to put in a few hours doing the admin there are plenty of rewards for fans of the series. It's not the Mass Effect you were hoping for, and it doesn't live up to the high standard set by the original trilogy, but as a jumping off point for a new trilogy in a new galaxy there are enough promising characters and intriguing story elements to suggest the Andromeda 2 might be everything you wished this game would be.
One of the best expansions From Software has ever produced, The Ringed City is a challenging and satisfying epilogue for the Dark Souls trilogy.
Old Time Hockey's horrendous characters models will hurt your eyes, while its annoying sound effects—which get repeated ad nauseam—will make you want to mute your TV. Those willing to put the game's presentational issues aside and trudge forward with the experience will still more than likely concede after only a few matches based upon the fact that the game just feels poor in all regards.
Despite the lack of difficulty during the majority of the adventure, Blaster Master Zero provides an excellent retro package that does the original title justice. Ten bucks nets players a highly polished experience that encourages full completion, which is nice to see in 2017. Hopefully, this won’t be the last of the Blaster Master franchise, as it fits surprisingly well in the modern era.
A unique indie game that's easy to get lost in as you travel around 1880s India. Great at generating stories, whether they be what the game intended or something uniquely yours.
Akin to cracking The Witness' hardest riddles or acing Super Meat Boy's toughest trials, toppling Flywrench's greatest hurdles provides a sense of satisfaction that is oh-so rare, and oh-so joyous. Tailor made for the masochists who enjoy nothing more than a strong challenge, Flywrench may only appeal to a limited group of gamers, but if you consider yourself within that faction, don't hesitate. Buy it. Now.
Styx: Shards of Darkness does well with its detailed level design and humorous main character, but the inconsistency in its gameplay mechanics and a forgettable storyline stand in the way of its prominence as a stealth action game. Entertaining, to say the least, but far from a must-play.
Leaving Lyndow surmounts the limits of its length to address the emotional unrest that comes with leaving home for the first time, but its puzzles and character models leave much to be desired.
For 50 USD you get 28 mini-games, about 20 of which are actually worth while and none of which will keep your group playing past the first week. For 50 dollars, 10 dollars less than Breath of the Wild, you get a glorified mini-game collection. There would be no justifiable reason to buy this game for 30 dollars, let alone 50.
All of the positive things in Nier: Automata outweigh the negative. Its story is absurd, yet interesting, its characters feel human despite their mechanical makeup, and it’s all layered with unique gameplay elements that keep it feeling fresh and fun. Automata makes a very strong first impression, and it’s able to carry that weight through its myriad of story arcs and endings.