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The game ultimately can’t shake off the repetitiveness that eventually sets in, while the lack of rewarding incentives and awkward platforming do not help its cause. Yet, the combat delivers with great impact, helped by a colourful roster of unique characters and a smart tag-team system that expands the possibilities of combat approaches. All in all, Double Dragon Gaiden is a journey worth embarking on, even if it is for the first few runs to give players a taste of the various mechanics in play.
In essence, Remnant 2 outperforms its predecessor in every single way, with its focus on procedural generation paying off handsomely. The action is satisfying on every level, the loot grind is anything but, and the sheer amount of possibilities when it comes to archetypes, skills, and gear means a fresh experience can be created almost instantly. While the main plot lacks impact, and the visuals can be subpar, the real meat of the action is juicy and succulent, and if you happen to have friends along for the ride, this is one new obsession that can be a mainstay for years to come.
In essence, Dave the Diver is not like anything that players would imagine based on their first glance at this RPG. Its story is simply intriguing and engrossing, both parts of its gameplay formula complement each other greatly with fun and depth, and the many different surprises always manage to astound, usually in a good way. Despite the rare bugs and the lack of challenge in some of its bosses and puzzles, this is one deep-sea dive and sushi restaurant that should have droves of players lining up to taste its goodness.
While it is definitely great to see a new contender step into the ring, AEW: Fight Forever feels like it is just making up the numbers in its current state. There is much potential based on the few solid ideas the game pushes, with its fights being frenetic and characters being larger than life. Everything else, however, is well below the level of a main event and ultimately contributes to a missed opportunity for a shot at being top of the ladder.
It can be hard to compare Park Beyond to its obvious inspirations, even if there are many similarities. On its own, this is a park management sim that places emphasis on fun above everything else, even at the cost of a more involved management aspect. The space for creativity and freedom is unmatched, but the lack of depth and unpolished state of things can leave much to be desired.
Final Fantasy XVI is a lot of things. It’s ambitious, gritty, and beautiful, but more importantly, it dares to dream. A sobering tale disguised as a dazzling visual spectacle, the almost-masterpiece presents a nuanced, clever take on all-too-familiar elements, and turns them into fresh experiences that devastate as much as they delight, before delivering the biggest reward – a well-executed emotional payoff.
Needless to say, Street Fighter 6 has set a new benchmark for the genre in more ways than one. The new Drive System injects a new sense of depth into an established formula, the roster is more than substantial to keep players busy, and the online netcode allows for true skill to shine through. Other than the slight misstep of the World Tour mode, everything else connects like a well-timed haymaker, and that’s an impressive feat to say the least.
The worry remaining is that the balance needs to be struck well in order to maintain Diablo IV as a viable and long-lasting adventure that doesn’t lose its freshness or that the incessant rush to get more powerful gear becomes a chore rather than a thrill. At this juncture, there’s much for players both old and new to dive into, making combat and exploration exciting times, all while pushing the story forward in a new chapter for Sanctuary. The hope is that this will last, and that Blizzard will continue to support the game in all ways. After all, Lilith is coming, and all hail the Mother.
Ultimately, Redfall could have been a great way for Arkane to branch out in its development philosophies and strategies, but the final product leaves too much to be desired. Instead of turning players into willing thralls of exciting combat and teamwork, dropped into an engaging world full of treasures, what we have got is the opposite. Everything fans love about the studio’s work is sorely missing in this nightmare, and that is but a stake through the heart of a risk not worth taking.
It would have been easy to dismiss Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores as just another DLC that doesn’t do much, but on the contrary, this is one new chapter that fans will sink their teeth into and come out the other end satisfied and excited for Aloy’s next adventure. From further refining a gorgeous world, expanding the character development, to adding even more spice to the established combat formula, the experience comes to possess additional depth and flavour that should not be missed, even if certain impactful moments don’t exactly hit the mark.
There are small issues, which in the grand scheme of things, wouldn’t amount to much when Star Wars Jedi: Survivor remains exemplary in the areas that matter more. Having been introduced to Cal Kestis in 2019, it is fitting that in 2023, we finally get to see the fruits of Respawn’s labour. Here stands a mature Jedi Knight, capable of shouldering the heavy responsibility of not just saving the day, but doing so with flair and proficiency, a similar journey for a sequel that takes centre stage in our galaxy.
Needless to say, Company of Heroes 3 marks a triumphant return of the beloved RTS series from Relic. With the tight, tense battles that can be experienced in the linear North African campaign or the more player-driven dynamic campaign remaining the star attraction, further reinforced by the presence of a new layer of strategic considerations, Company of Heroes 3 is headed in the right direction. All it needs now is for the balance to be worked out and technical issues to be eliminated, and this might just be the best entry yet.
Overall, Dead Island 2 knows exactly what it is under the skin’s surface. An action RPG that is all about explosive combat with some sprinkling of worthwhile exploration, and the realisation of zombie destruction on a scale unlike anything seen before. Just check your expectations of too involved a story and overlook the routine, and you might just agree that the series is back with some newfound vigour, unlike the many undead players will leave in their destructive wake.
Put it all together, and it is not hard to see where Hunt the Night succeeds the most. The way combat flows, the flexibility of how players can build out Vesper to be the Stalker they want, and the delicate balance between challenge and entertainment both in exploration and in battle. While the game may not be for everyone, there is certainly a place in the ranks for a visually beautiful title that plays to its strength in many aspects, even if it feels like we have seen it all before.
Another year, another triumph, the consistency of the team at San Diego Studio continues to amaze, and MLB The Show 23 is a true gem of a baseball game. No matter which mode you find yourself in, there’s something to marvel at, and with the big addition of the Negro Leagues mode, this is one baseball sim that is heavy on the history lessons and may yet make history itself as well.
At the end of the day, the Resident Evil 4 remake sets out to reimagine one of the best survival horror games of all time, and succeeds in every area, big and small. The combat is the smoothest it has ever been, the monsters are disgustingly delightful, and this world has never been more inviting for those that love the dark side. The sheer breadth of the improvements made means that a new bar has been set yet again, and it is a no-brainer for anyone hoping to enjoy the best the genre has to offer.
For what it’s worth, Have a Nice Death is a competent roguelike that pushes hard on the challenge when it comes to big encounters. The afterlife need not be that dreary, and there is something inherently fun and delightful in the worlds and characters, but its progression systems definitely need a refresh to breathe new life into this punishing new kid on the block.
A game that truly knows what it delivers and does so excellently, Powerwash Simulator is perfect for players seeking a simple and relaxing time while engaging in a relatively straightforward affair. While cleaning, in reality, can be annoying, the meditative nature of Powerwash Simulator proves otherwise with a controller in your hands. Although it is certainly not made for everybody, for those willing to don the suit, it can be one hell of an addictive ride trying to erase all existence of dirt for a paycheque.
Rhythm Sprout does excel in what it wants to do, which is to provide an action-oriented rhythmic experience that boasts a decent story championed by a protagonist and plenty of colourful, absurd characters that will more than likely elicit laughter from its audience. While beginners will likely have a harder time, genre veterans will have a great time rocking to the beat.
It is hard to say that Scars Above is a bad game, but rather, it feels like something that was not made for the modern gaming audience. There is some merit to how it approaches some of its systems, but they never ever go far enough to make a significant difference as a whole. Interesting ideas are only half the battle, and with its mixed visuals and wonky controls, it turns a potentially complex alien journey into a road of forgettable crashes.