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Many gamers likely remember Outriders' difficult launch on all platforms, which featured dozens of visual glitches, crashes, bland gameplay systems, and unfinished touches. However, the game's previous New Horizons update and the Worldslayer DLC have redeemed it in many ways. Worldslayer's biggest appeal is its increased loot pool and finalized endgame, but players shouldn't expect more than a few dozen hours of gameplay before running out of content. The existing bugs aren't enough to completely ruin the DLC, and are likely to be fixed with a launch day patch or later update. Those who enjoyed Outriders after its New Horizons patch (or are looking for an opportunity to join the franchise) should experience Outriders Worldslayer.
The Legend of Wright is a unique title that really captures a moment in time. It perfectly encapsulates the nostalgia for the days of old-school RPGs and creating games during lunchtime with school friends. Kenta's game doesn't last for long and it has some frustrating moments, but The Legend of Wright is worth experiencing, as there is nothing else like it out there, and its shortcomings can easily be forgiven due to its overwhelming charm.
The gaming equivalent of being asked to buy the paint protection.
Sunbreak is the ideal title for people who thought Monster Hunter Rise was too forgiving and that it gave the player too many options for evading the monsters. The Master Rank quests can be extremely punishing, but Sunbreak is intended for those who have beaten Monster Hunter Rise and are looking for that next level of difficulty. It takes time to hit its stride and the omission of Rampage quests is puzzling, but there is some great new content here that is worth exploring, especially for those who enjoyed the base version of the game.
Aside from a few strange or seemingly missing reactions from Matt, there are interesting puzzles, a creepy antagonist, and several nightmarish creatures to kill or avoid throughout the game.
Overall, Neon White is a fantastic game that pushes players to get faster and faster in a way that is addicting and supportive. Getting into the flow of a level feels empowering, and there are even a handful of boss fights that add a refreshing twist on the otherwise platform heavy levels. Those that choose to play on PC will likely have a smooth and bump-free experience, but the Nintendo Switch version does struggle with accurate aiming and hand comfort. Despite that, players can't go wrong with either version because Neon White is fundamentally a fun and empowering experience.
Overall, Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes is a stunning and immersive game, offering a satisfying combat system and delightful tactical strategy mechanics. The game is a great choice for those who enjoy real-time combat or past Fire Emblem titles, as well as fans of Fire Emblem: Three Houses. While it doesn't utilize the classic, turn-based combat known of the series, Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes doesn't need it to provide an action-packed and exciting gameplay experience.
The collection's biggest strength, and the games' best selling points individually, all boil down to their wonderful cyberpunk storytelling. There isn't a weak link among the three, with each story feeling relevant today. The exploration of hopelessness in the face of technological power or the inequality among people born into different circumstances can, at times, be brutal, but Shadowrun is largely about those without agency reclaiming it for themselves and others - an inspirational story, especially now. For that reason alone, the games are well-worth engaging in - but the tactical combat is still a draw too, scratching the itch for challenging content with plenty of rewarding eureka moments for those willing to spend time within them. Shadowrun Trilogy: Console Edition is a worthy port and a thought-provoking collection, making it a high recommendation even in 2022.
Good Company is described as a game "inspired by the trail-blazing spirit of Silicon Valley," an essence that it manages to successfully capture in the way players advance and adapt in an ever-changing technological landscape. However, alongside this comes the sterility of its assembly line-focused mechanics and a depth of work required that may be intimidating to those not incredibly familiar with the management simulation genre. For experienced players who value creating efficient task loops and the utmost optimization, Good Company provides a slew of tools that let players micromanage to their heart's content, but it may lack the human touch some players are looking for.
While anyone who enjoys mystery games, visual novels, or the often bizarre story-telling quirks of Spike Chunsoft games will find a lot to love in AI: The Somnium Files - nirvanA Initiative, it's really a game that shouldn't be missed by anyone. A combination of maddening puzzles with satisfying solutions, a story that is as weird as it is excellent, and characters who make memorable impressions sees nirvanA Initiative establish itself as a worthy sequel to one of the better sleeper hits of the past several years. AI: The Somnium Files - nirvanA Initiative works very hard to keep your eyes focused on it at all times, and the reward is a rollercoaster ride that's superb from start to finish.
Even people new to D&D or card-based RPGs like SteamWorld Quest should have no problem learning the ropes quickly. While it could've benefited from more character interactions and a stronger story, the combat and core gameplay loop are so engaging that many players probably won't even notice. Gordian Quest is a rare gem of an RPG that somehow manages to blend multiple genres into one game without making anything feel unwieldy.
While it may not feel like a traditional entry into the Warriors style of spinoff games that most are used to, there is a unique feel to be found in Touken Ranbu Warriors. With an interesting setting that has both characters that are engaging and a unique play on its historical situations, there’s a lot to enjoy for anyone.
Starship Troopers - Terran Command is an enjoyable addition to the RTS game genre, especially for franchise fans. The title fails to introduce revolutionary changes that set it apart from its competitors but offers a new sci-fi adventure. Its characters aren't particularly memorable, and its glitches keep it from becoming a masterpiece, but Starship Troopers - Terran Command delivers on its most basic promises. Fans of the best RTS games could receive a pleasant addition to their gaming collections, while movie fans can experience enjoyable callbacks to a beloved franchise.
As such Zorro The Chronicles doesn't quite hit the mark. It's a game made for children, which is why having a more simplistic edge may be useful, but the overall level of quality is perhaps not there. Although it gets the tone right, and things like its environmental takedowns are bound to cause a laugh for fans of the show, the overall game isn't quite as enjoyable as it could be.
Although developers have noted fixing the issue, given the fiasco that surrounded the release of the incredibly broken My Wedding Stories Game Pack and the time it took to be patched, fans should undoubtedly be wary of the bug's status upon the official release of The Sims 4 Werewolves. However, the contents of the Game Pack is incredibly solid, and if the issue is resolved it will stand as one of the strongest Game Packs yet. The Sims 4 Werewolves showcases what is perhaps the most outstanding occult The Sims 4 has seen 7 years into its lifespan, and offers players a huge amount of cute clothing, useful items, and ways to tell their own werewolf stories.
While the game’s difficulty is a bit uneven and movement can be stiff at times, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge largely succeeds as a love letter to not only the classic TMNT side-scrollers of old, but the franchise as a whole. With Shredder’s Revenge now in the wild and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Cowabunga Collection set to launch on consoles later this year, it’s safe to say that fans of the Heroes-In-A-Half-Shell have no shortage of retro-style gaming action in 2022.
Overall, Mothergunship: Forge comes out of the gate strong and gets more fun with each subsequent run. The randomization of the roguelite mechanics ensures almost endless replayability. Mothergunship: Forge feels far different than other wave shooters in the best way and gives players multiple customization options to build some incredible, zany creations. Despite the somewhat simplistic premise, the possibilities and variety do feel endless. With a few updates, the gameplay experience can be even stronger and easier to master. The graphics and sound design in Mothergunship: Forge are also well-done and contribute to the immersion, but the standout is undoubtedly the gun-building physics and the use of VR technology to put players more directly in the game. Mothergunship: Forge is a must-have VR experience and demonstrates so much potential, both for the future of virtual reality games and for its own future and the future of Terrible Posture Games as a developer in the VR space.
For those who’ve been patiently waiting for an up-to-par follow-up to the immensely popular Until Dawn, The Quarry might not be it. While its immersive gameplay and dynamic characters are enough to carry the majority of the game, the title is a narrative adventure with no resolutions for its heroes. A post-credits scene revealing how The Quarry survivors escaped - and what came next - or even just a reunion between the friends after their ordeal would have gone a long way in saving what ended up to be a disappointment. While The Quarry is an impressive graphical showcase of new-gen possibilities, it seems that in terms of story, players will have to continue waiting for a true successor to Until Dawn.
Despite the noticeable issues and difficulty with maxing out characters, Diablo Immortal is still enjoyable and offers a lot of options for gear and XP grinding. Dungeons, events, PvP fights, hidden lairs, and other activities make this new title fun and interesting for casual players that aren't focused on the competitive side of the game. Of course, the major downside is that those who want to compete and create a top build will almost assuredly need to pour a lot of money and time into strengthening their characters. Diablo Immortal can still be fun, but there are some undeniable flaws that hurt the experience.
Mario Strikers: Battle League is a fun and colorful game that lacks some of the depth players might expect, and strays pretty far from soccer.