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Ghostrunner 2 embodies the epitome of a well-executed sequel. It doesn’t overshadow its precursor; instead, it leverages the original as a foundation for expansion and enhancement. The world-building and character development represent a significant leap in quality, and the unwavering pace of action propels it into a class of its own. The introduction of new abilities, expanded non-linear level design, and refined movement mechanics render this game a must-play for those looking to hone their 3D platforming skills.
No one asked for Gargoyles Remastered, and I can see why. While the 16-bit gothic graphics are gorgeous, the gameplay does not hold up regardless of what style you’re playing in. The combat is dull, the platforming sections are frustratingly difficult due to bad controls, the bosses are laughable, and the experience is over before you know it. Although the added modes and rewind feature are cool, I’d say this is a Remastered release for the die-hards only and not a reason to play a game that you think you missed out on.
Despite its few peculiarities and performance issues, Cities: Skylines II successfully upholds the legacy of its predecessor and raises the bar for the city-building genre. Whether you’re a seasoned city planner or a newcomer ready to embark on an urban adventure, Skylines II offers endless possibilities and countless hours of creative enjoyment.
Hellboy Web of Wyrd takes a notable step forward into the roguelike genre but fails to find its footing. While it successfully implements its gameplay loop and progression mechanics, it offers only a baseline level of satisfaction as a package. The distinctive comic-style presentation and impressive voice work contribute to the game’s appeal but fall short of igniting a strong desire for replayability. Fans of the Hellboy franchise may find deeper enjoyment due to their attachment to the source material.
Sonic Superstars is an adequate 2D Sonic adventure boasting great character control and stage theming alongside significantly improved boss battles. However, the peculiar implementation of the Chaos Emeralds and the only decent level design prevent this outing from really establishing itself as a must-play for veterans of the franchise or genre. At the very least, there’s a reasonable offering of supplemental content packed in replays and bonus modes to satisfy the fans awaiting an original 2D Sonic game.
Wizard with a Gun is an engaging action adventure that seamlessly blends roguelike and crafting elements. It initially feels slow in the opening hours, but players who stick with it will find themselves deeply immersed, enhancing their base and character. This game offers an enjoyable experience even if you’re not a survival genre enthusiast. Plus, its multiplayer functionality adds significant replay value, making it a well-rounded gaming choice. Don’t be deterred by a sluggish start; Wizard with a Gun has much to offer.
Lords of the Fallen is a reboot done right. The experience as a whole immerses you in its unique dual-world system while capturing the essence of robust customization, challenging combat, and dark fantasy. Despite some technical flaws, this game takes on a challenge of its own as you reluctantly push forward into nightmarish battles. The highly detailed environments encourage you to press on, which is made easier thanks to responsive controls and unique enemy types that test your abilities.
While Detective Pikachu Returns is undeniably enjoyable, its only standout feature is its somewhat decent storyline, which ties up loose ends from the original 3DS game and provides moments of laughter as Tim and Pikachu interact with each other. However, it suffers from several issues, such as somewhat dated graphics for this day and age, a short playtime, and very easy difficulty. Nevertheless, it’s a game I’d recommend during a potential sale, allowing you to comfortably unwind in bed while enjoying Pikachu and Tim’s misadventures in Ryme City.
Long Gone Days is an ambitious title that attempts to showcase the horrors of war and the effect it has on citizens and those who fight. The themes can be a little dark at times, and not every mechanic lands. Despite this, it is a game with a lot of heart that manages to stand out in a wave of RPGs. While it may not hit the mainstream, I am certain that Rourke and the rest of his friends will be talked about for years to come.
Sword Art Online: Last Recollection takes past feedback to deliver one of the best SAO gaming entries to date. However, while making improvements, some unusual gameplay choices were made that impact the overall experience, aiming for a more straightforward approach to please fans. It successfully allows all players to experience the conclusion of this epic campaign, but the linear quests and dated exploration may make it difficult to recommend as a modern action JRPG.
Harvest Moon: The Winds of Anthos seems to be a step in the right direction for Natsume. The open-world approach distinguishes it as a game you can immerse yourself in, provided you can endure the lackluster prologue and the challenging early game. It stands well on its own, though I would caution against playing the Nintendo Switch version due to its poor optimization, which hampers the overall gaming experience.
I initially approached Under the Waves with the intention of conquering a fear I’ve harbored since childhood. Instead, I found myself confronting parts of myself that I hid not only from others but also from myself. It was one of the most discomforting experiences I’ve ever had playing a game, but it’s an experience I know will stay with me for years to come.
Forza Motorsport is a gorgeous racing experience across each and every lap. The title excels in rewarding players during every race, and the legendary amount of available cars and tracks at launch means there’s plenty to enjoy right from the starting line. The gameloop is addictive, with a more than generous layer of accessibility options to create formidable racers out of anyone. The real meat may be the multiplayer modes, but it never overshadows what is offered in the single-player career mode. Here’s to hoping the live-service model works for this release, with the launch state looking like a great starting point.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage encourages players to experience its story to the end, and it’s a journey you’ll be glad you embarked upon. The game features nostalgic set pieces reminiscent of early series entries but also introduces genuinely unique experiences that may shape future entries. While it can be enjoyed as a standalone Assassin’s Creed adventure, longtime fans will appreciate the connections to previous plot points and the thrilling gameplay moments.
Savant: Ascent REMIX is an experience that is brief but impactful. Although you can likely clear the game in a few hours, there are plenty of reasons to return for a higher score or try your hand at the unlockable Survival Mode. If anything, I wish the game was longer, but what’s here provides instant gamer satisfaction to anyone who plays through its approachable, yet, high challenge and minimal controls.
Fate/Samurai Remnant is a fresh addition to the Fate franchise, offering a unique take on the adaptable Holy Grail War formula that caters to newcomers and longtime fans. If you have the patience for its deliberate storytelling, you’ll discover a compelling narrative exploring themes of self-repression. This journey is enhanced by a well-written main cast and supporting characters, a satisfying combat system, an addictive gameplay loop, and an emotionally resonant soundtrack. Whether new to Fate or a seasoned fan, Fate/Samurai Remnant offers an engaging experience worth exploring.
Payday 3 is fun and engaging when it works, but more often than not, it doesn’t. The servers that are constantly down, the overall lack of content, the cut features from Payday 2, and the lazily put-together cutscenes all prevent this from being a title worth experiencing, even for the diehard fans. I have no doubt that Starbreeze will polish this title in time, but for now, it’s an easy skip.
Sigil of the Magi offers an enjoyable, visually appealing pixelated adventure across diverse maps. While some battles may provoke frustration, retrying with new cards or Adventurers increases your chances of achieving longer runs. This gameloop becomes its most addictive feature, and players who invest themselves will easily get the most out of the experience.
WitchSpring R showcases a brilliant gameloop of balancing its story progression with its many systems. On the box, it may seem like too much information to retain, but in practice, it all blends seamlessly together to never hold the player back from progression. The adventure is massive, too, with a lengthy campaign and a large connected world with plenty to explore. I’m glad it’s not just Pieberry’s illustrations that received the remastered treatment, and the developers put together something truly fun for fans, both new and returning.
Silent Hope is an action RPG that will likely be overlooked due to the sheer quantity and quality of 2023’s video game releases. Still, if you’re yearning for a more low-stakes adventure that manages to remain fulfilling across brief play sessions, then this title is an ideal pick-up. The engaging progression systems, weight-filled combat, and addictive, varied gameplay loop make Silent Hope a delightful adventure.