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In the grand scheme of things, Capcom has delivered a sequel to make Dragon’s Dogma fans happy and wishing for more, but this isn’t a massive upgrade. Rather, it’s a modernization of the overall concept as the highs and lows of the first game mirror the sequel. If you can weather the storm that is Dragon’s Dogma 2, you might come out as one of the players who consider this one of the best RPG experiences they’ve ever played, or simply the worst.
Dead Island 2 failed to stand out as the original game did since there are now a good amount of zombie-themed titles that are more than capable of scratching this particular itch. It feels so late in the game that other games like it have evolved and experimented with different concepts while this series is still trying to get back on its feet.
While Sonic Colors Ultimate is still plagued with a few frustrating moments, Sonic veterans know that these games are platformers at heart and not just a quick dash to the finish. If you’re a fan of the blue blur, it’s worth giving this game a shot.
Minecraft Legends is a fun strategy built around the Minecraft world, and it’s easy to grasp. Fans will get a kick out of the base campaign (especially with a friend or two), It just has its limitations and mechanics that could lead to frustration.
Soulstice is a fast-paced action adventure that has all the elements required to scratch that Bayonetta or Devil May Cry itch, but struggles to maintain its momentum due to combat design choices, dull characters, and the lack of flair that’s usually associated with games in its genre.
Outriders Worldslayer doesn’t answer all of the game’s main problems. This isn’t new content that will entice new players, but will rather sustain the game’s current fans. Players new to the game will still have to determine if the Outriders formula is for them, as Worldslayer doesn’t improve the new player experience; it actually complicates it.
I enjoyed my time with Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising but as I was playing more of it, I kept thinking that this is a game that can be so much more. For both the narrative, its town building, level design, and combat – each one has a solid foundation in place but never takes it up a notch.
The problem with Vanguard is that it’s difficult to recommend with multiplayer being its strongest asset, which is something Black Ops Cold War and the Modern Warfare reboot provided well enough, as there isn’t a big enough change in the gameplay formula to warrant a switch. In the end, Vanguard simply asks if you prefer the World War II setting enough to buy it at full price. If not, I think you’ll be good with whatever Call of Duty title you have right now.
Ubisoft is playing the long game with Rainbow Six Extraction. Right now, you’re not missing much if you choose to give this one a pass on release, but there’s definitely potential here, making this title worth keeping an eye on in the near future.
For better or worse, Mario Party Superstars delivers on its promise of bringing the best elements of the classic era of Mario Party to vivid life on the Switch, though even with a variety of gameplay styles and customization options, the formula is showing its age, and the loose combination of RNG and skill-based gameplay won’t be for everyone.
I’m happy to report that New Pokémon Snap improves upon the original game in nearly every respect. It’s filled with well-animated interactions between Pokemon, a wide variety of evolving environments, and over 200 Pokémon to add to your Photodex. Despite all of its quality-of-life improvements, its relaxing vibe, and decent presentation, however, it’s more of an evolution of the concept than a revolution, and soundly geared to younger audiences. I imagine that because of its simple gameplay, it’s not going to satisfy everyone.
In time, it will likely get better, which makes it hard to recommend, as patience shouldn’t be a requirement to enjoy a video game, especially from a studio highly praised in providing great games. If you do take the plunge, there’s greatness found deep inside, you just need to dig with your hands longer than usual to get to it.
I had fun with Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War, especially with the campaign. Zombies remain great and is now easier to swallow, but multiplayer - being the main selling point for a Call of Duty game - is the weakest link in the package. With a strong entry last year, and numerous online games now available that are viable alternatives, Treyarch’s approach in multiplayer this year didn’t sell a good enough case to invest more time on it in the coming months. Time will tell how the first season will go, but the initial burst of content out the gate could fall flat, making some look elsewhere to satisfy that FPS multiplayer itch.
Captain Tsubasa: Rise of New Champions’ secret to success is that it puts the spotlight on its beloved characters and their unique abilities to tell a great sports story. No matter how ridiculous or unbelievable they are, it works as long as it entertains and inspires their audience.
"With its myriad design issues and lack of content at launch, it’s difficult to recommend Marvel’s Avengers. But this is a game that can only get better, which isn’t publisher apologia, it’s just an undeniable truth for any game that leans so heavily into a future of post-launch updates."
Mortal Shell is bleak, twisted, and poses a challenge from start to finish. It will leave you wanting more, and while some mechanics weren't as fleshed out and diverse as I’d hoped, this game from Cold Symmetry is a commendable adventure that deserves the attention of those who love the subgenre.
As an earnest, respectful tribute to jidaigeki dramas and the films of Akira Kurosawa, Ghost of Tsushima fares well enough. It creates a fictionalized account of the Mongol Invasion and weaves the tale into the most videogamey of videogame things – an open-world sandbox filled with straw-hat wearing ronin, mischievous foxes, hot springs, and meditative haiku. It’s easily the most ambitious output from Sucker Punch Productions to date.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order may not be the droid that we're looking for, it's still a fun romp through the cosmos, providing a decent story with some strong moments that will tickle the most sensitive midichlorians inside you.
2020’s Resident Evil 3 is an action-packed spectacle that looks and feels great, but it can’t cover up the contrived nature of the encounters with Nemesis. The absence of some of the locations and plot beats of the original only shortens a narrative that’s already criminal in its brevity.
Death Stranding is creative director Hideo Kojima’s flawed but fascinating subversion of big budget expectations. It represents not simply an escape from the increasingly suffocating influence of his former masters at Konami, but an escape from the cardboard box of Metal Gear’s narrative and gameplay conventions.