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Often in strategy titles there is the want for more. More building types, more resource types, more of everything. Anno 1800 has all of that depth from the very beginning with so many types of buildings there is an amazing balancing act to make. With chains of production to make, such as potato farms which supply schnapps brewers, there is plenty of thinking to be done. This is a game many would refer to as a time sink, yet it is one I'd happily pour hours into. The futuristic titles had lost their way somewhat, but Anno 1800 firmly steers the series back on track!
Stop reading and come experience the Dreamscape.
Despite the rather short length, The Foundation is an example of how DLC really should be. It feels different, adds a lot to the story, doesn't forget what made the original great and tries its own thing instead of leaning on what worked in the past. Odds are you'll be fascinated by the answers that just leave you with more questions and delighted with new obstacles to overcome. In all and all, The Foundation left me wanting more and I can not wait to see where the next expansion takes us.
Games like CrossCode are fun, not because they're super challenging or add engaging elements, as much as they're simple and effective. Fights hinge on whether or not I can dodge an attack and unleash my own. Progression comes down to how many enemies I've defeated and the resources collected. It doesn't matter how simple this stuff is, because CrossCode is just a lot of fun and will be engaging throughout. So, if you're looking for something to get you through the summer, I strongly suggest giving this game a chance.
Seemingly simple gameplay and delightful art aside, Cuphead manages to balance challenge and difficulty fairly well.
In a lot of ways, Watch Dogs: Legion gets the open-world game just right. There are seemingly endless things to do, outfits to try on and people to help. Some modern features give players the opportunity to remove annoying aspects like driving, making it a bit more accessible. Toss in a wide variety of tactics and there is something for everyone. Outside of some cumbersome mechanics, confusing prompts, and needless options, there is little to dislike here. So, if you want an open-world game to hold you over until the next major release, I strongly suggest looking into Watch Dogs: Legion.
I had a lot of fun playing Curse of the Dead Gods and it's fairly addicting once you get the mechanics down. For better or worse, it is rather mechanic heavy that may or may not be positive. Often times it can be a bit convoluted and ultimately a less aggressive playstyle will make up for a passive one with the torch or being overly greedy. Given it's a great game to pick up and play and it doesn't take particularly long to get the hang of it, I strongly suggest giving it a go if you're looking for something to scratch that roguelike itch.
The main appeal of Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is going to be for newcomers and Switch owners looking to play on the go. In addition to Zodiac Age being the definitive experience, one that includes several additions that improve the overall experience, it even results in a more satisfying experience. Unfortunately, despite some steps forward, it doesn't stop this remaster from having muddy visuals when on the go. That being said, it really is a must have for JRPG fans and worth the cost.
Overall, Far Cry 5 does what the rest of the series was successful at.
All in all, A Way Out is an innovative game and one that is recommended for people with a close friend or family member to play with. You can either bond together doing the co-op activities, or troll one another for some cheap laughs. Either way, it’s one of the best co-op experiences I’ve ever had in many years. Sure the game is short, but the unique gameplay and excellent story made me hooked until the very end. Even though it’s only March, A Way Out is my favorite game of the year thus far.
All in all, Burnout Paradise Remastered is an excellent re-release on both the PS4 and Xbox One. Despite being a game that was released ten years ago, this remaster modernizes the graphics and retains the excellent soundtrack and fast paced gameplay. If you love fun arcade style racing games, you must try and pick this game up now as it's a refreshing change compared to the more realistic racing games such as Forza and Gran Turismo.
Battlefield V hits the right notes of war being a bloody affair, with gritty hard fought battles. The maps present real contrast from one another, with each favoring different styles of play. Playing as part of a decent squad can see you noticeably affect the outcome of a battle, and one that is full of period weaponry that still pack a punch. Grand Operations is considered by DICE and EA as this installments crowning multiplayer achievement and as the game is currently missing the new standard of a Battle Royale mode this is the case. At the moment in time, the game has a few niggles bug wise but still presents a strong experience – one that will hopefully improve with a couple of minor patches and the promised future content.
I could honestly spend a while explaining all the mechanics in Fire Emblem: Three Houses and probably not touch on everything. What is important is to understand what you're getting into. It's not a simple game or one that is overly combat driven like Disgaea. You can easily go hours without seeing a battlefield and then agonize about arguably tedious mechanics. This isn't to say it's a bad game, I'd say anything but, it's just important to understand it isn't meant for everyone and that is alright.
Dragon Quest Builders 2 accomplishes what it needs to do. Everything is presented in a simple and easy to understand way, that allows enough freedom to prevent the dreaded feeling that it is holding your hand. Toss in some cute visuals, comical characters and the ever popular world that is Dragon Quest and you have a winning combo. Whether you're looking to fight enemies, build an empire or just mess around, it's the type of adventure that is easy to get hooked on and enjoy. So, if you love building or just Dragon Quest in general, I strongly suggest giving this one a go or at least checking the demo out.
Monster Hunter Rise basically does what you'd expect. The core experience is relatively unchanged, there are just more tutorials and certain elements were simplified to make it more accessible. This is a massive bonus for anyone hoping they don't run into a clueless online player, though it can make the first couple of hours drag. Thankfully, the new mechanics and elements breathe new life in the franchise and is certainly enough to hold someone's attention for a substantial amount of time.
For those looking for a fun assassin game Hitman 2 is for you. The game not only does little to stop you attempting the level your way but is happy enough to guide you through one of the many available paths if you so wish. Whether you want to slowly and stealthily learn the routes of the targets and take them out with “accidents” or straight up silverballer them to the face, the choice is left to you. The individual missions are crying out for multiple players, though even from one playthrough you'll get one solid experience, and one that is different from everyone else.
With such an amazingly thought up location of the Helios, Close to the Sun is an adventure full of atmosphere, tension and a surprisingly lack of people. The puzzle elements never felt out of reach but had an element of thinking to them.
It's honestly hard to hate The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening. Sure, it can be hard to progress at first and not a whole lot is different besides graphics but it's still among the best Zelda games. Add to it the charming visuals and simply fun gameplay and you'll quickly look past the flaws. Maybe not to the point where absolutely everyone needs to try it, though I would strongly suggest it if you like the look or never played the original.
Overall, Immortals Fenyx Rising is a fantastic game and one of the better open-world exploration titles in recent memory. Combat is great, puzzles are fun and there is so much to see and experience that it's easy to get sidetracked. It would be nice if some of the puzzles were a bit less tedious, but I can hardly fault them for trying to offer a more engaging experience. So if you want a lovely world to explore, look no further than Immortals Fenyx Rising.
If you haven't played Final Fantasy X by now, it's the perfect time, especially if you own the Switch. If you haven't played it by now, Switch is the perfect platform to try, given the portability and smooth experience. Unfortunately, those who played it recently or want something new might be disappointed, though it's hard to please everyone. Especially when PC and PlayStation 4 have been out for a while and are much cheaper.