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Destiny 2 is the culmination of two years of Bungie learning what players want, enjoy, and love about the world of Destiny. It is the evolution of the team’s previous shortcomings and an improvement upon what is already working. It is everything that makes Destiny great, but better in nearly every way. A game of this quality is teetering on the edge of perfection and it’s likely Bungie’s ongoing commitment will soon find a way to give it that final push.
Battlefield 1‘s In the Name of the Tsar DLC has set the expectation for all future expansions, providing ample content to enjoy for the coming weeks. The expansion hits its target center mass far more often than it misses the mark, delivering a shining example of the quality that DICE can produce. You would be hard-pressed to find an add-on of this caliber elsewhere. To put it plainly, In the Name of the Tsar’s focus on the Russian Empire yields one of the most satisfying multiplayer experiences in recent memory.
The original Life is Strange kind of came out of nowhere and surprised us all with just how good it was. As a result, there is a lot for Life is Strange: Before the Storm to live up to. Only one episode of three main episodes has released thus far, but so far it looks to be maintaining the quality of the original while presenting some new mechanics and building onto the backstory that we didn’t even know we needed so badly.
The Long Dark takes an interesting approach to the bustling survival genre by adding a story-heavy campaign, and it looks to be paying off so far. The tale being told in Wintermute has not developed into anything wildly deep at this point and there has yet to be given much of a reason to care for the characters in play, but by the end of the second episode I still felt the desire to see everything through to the end. I needed to know how this unique apocalypse pans out, so the developer is clearly doing something right. The slow, methodical pacing may turn some potential players away, but those that can carry the weight of the game’s encumbering systems will find a gorgeous adventure worth the time investment.
Absolver is a unique blend of deep martial arts combat, RPG systems, and social interaction. Sloclap’s dedication to their combat mechanics is obvious and it has paid off. The game boasts one of the deepest systems for skirmishes I have yet to encounter. This lies at the heart of Absolver and it is a solid foundation on which to build the rest of the game. Thanks to the quality of combat and the visual appeal of the striking art style, the shortcomings found within the AI and narrative do not hinder the overall experience to a crippling degree. Absolver definitely gets far more right than wrong, weaving a worthwhile venture for all but those looking for a strong single player outing.
Sonic fans have been waiting for a game that finally built on the legacy of the Genesis era Sonic games and Sonic Mania has finally captured that magic that has been missing. Bringing in a true Sonic fan to take the reigns of the series was very much the right decision and you can tell the level of loving detail put into every aspect of the game. It may have taken a long time, but everybody’s favorite Blue Blur is finally back in Sonic Mania and it feels so good.
Yakuza Kiwami is positioned as a perfect jumping on point for newcomers just now discovering Sega’s gang-centric criminal drama. Series veterans will still find plenty to love in the carefully handcrafted remake of Kazuma Kiryu’s first appearance, with a wealth of new and enticing content. Regardless of which category you find yourself a part of, Yakuza Kiwami is hands down one of the finest remakes ever made of an already extraordinary game and provides an experience that you would be hard-pressed to find elsewhere.
Volition brought their trademark flair to their first non-Saints Row game in awhile and it definitely shows in Agents of Mayhem. If you want an over the top, explosion filled, machismo spouting, and action packed single player, then you are in for a wild ride. Agents of Mayhem brings not only this, but oh-so much more for fans of Volition’s patented brand of gameplay and humor.
Telltale Games has really gotten into a rhythm in recent years with churning out game after game and yet they still manage continual quality output. If you enjoyed the first season, there is no question you need to check out Batman: The Enemy Within Episode 1 – The Enigma. If you haven’t, you really should get on that sometime.
While many Nintendo fans have moved on with the release of the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo is proving that the 3DS at least has a little life left with games like Miitopia. The game certainly isn’t for everyone and is far from the most in depth experience you’ll have this year, but it’s hard to deny that I had fun while playing Miitopia.
Remasters tend to be rather hit and miss due to how many changes they have made, but Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is definitely one of the most intriguing for those in the US due to it having all of the International Version content. While the game may be over a decade old, Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age may very well be one of the best RPGs to release in 2017 when all is said and done.
This DLC is a must-have for anyone with an interest in fighting the undead, whether you are a long-time fan of Nazi Zombies or a newcomer. Zombie Chronicles breaths new life into the undead-filled survival mode for which Call of Duty has been know for years. Everything is as you remember it, only far prettier and with a sense of tighter controls. Do yourself a favor and check out the end of an era before Call of Duty: WWII drastically changes up the formula.
A lot of people were disappointed that the only way to get Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered last year was to buy the Legacy Edition of Infinite Warfare, but now it is finally available as a standalone. Everything you love about the original is here with much more visual clarity and better performance, as well as a few new multiplayer additions from future entries, making it an excellent stopgap this summer ahead of Call of Duty: WWII.
Micro Machines have been around for decades in one variation or another and Micro Machines World Series mostly disappoints in capturing the essence of the original release on NES. When the number of game options in a modern game feel like they aren’t much of an upgrade from an old NES game, you know there is a problem, which is the case with Micro Machines World Series.
The Danganronpa series may have seemed a bit daunting in the past due to its RPG gameplay, but now Spike Chunsoft has created a solid gateway game with Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls. Featuring various bullet types from those that cause enemies to dance or those that knock them back, there is plenty of fun to be had here in this often very creepy game.
Serious Sam’s Bogus Detour is a nostalgia-filled romp with familiar characters tossed into a new genre. The game loses little in its move over to the twin-stick shooter category, maintaining the components that we have all come to know and love over the past decade and a half. While not every new ingredient to Sam’s formula adds significant value, the end result is a lovingly-crafted shooter that retains the soul of Serious Sam.
Casual gamers might feel a little overwhelmed, but experienced fighting game fans are going to love the pinnacle of the Tekken series. It may take you awhile to get competitive, but there is no doubt you’ll have a lot of fun along the way in the much awaited Tekken 7, whether you are using a newcomer like Lucky Chloe or a series veteran like King.
Everspace blends enough new and old to create an enticing package for both longtime fans and newcomers to the genre. The bleeding-edge graphics pair nicely with buttery-smooth maneuvering and together they are able to overcome the game’s lesser parts, such as the story. To wrap it up, Everspace provides one of the most satisfying experiences this side of the Milky Way.
The Surge is a fun and engaging action-RPG for those wanting punishment in a brightly colored futuristic environment. It changes up the formula used by other titles in its genre and for the better. Variety is the spice of life, and that spice is peppered throughout The Surge, from its varied weapons or the many severed limbs and heads of your enemies. Deck 13 has crafted a memorable and engaging title that makes me wish that they never stop doing what they are good at, hardcore, controller smashing games that allows the player to feel accomplished at every enemy that falls to their feet.
If you’re looking for a new racer that feels different from the likes of Forza and Gran Turismo, but don’t mind a bit of a learning curve, DiRT 4 is definitely worth checking out. Between the time based rallies and actual racing events, Codemasters continues to prove why they are one of the best in the racing game business with DiRT 4.