But Why Tho?
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Theatrhythm Final Bar Line is a fantastic game, no doubt about it. The gameplay is easy to learn but challenging to master, and the massive library of songs and characters gives players countless hours of content to enjoy.
Metroid Prime Remastered is the gold standard for how to remaster an old game. Retro Studios have earned a reputation as one of the best game developers in the business, perfecting the balance between nostalgia and modern game development. Fans of the original Metroid Prime and newcomers to the franchise alike are in for an absolute treat.
With so many Metroidvania games on the market, Clunky Hero will be drowned out by a multitude of far superior titles. Even if it has its moments, there is absolutely nothing that makes it stand out against similar, better-crafted titles like Hollow Knight or Monster Sanctuary. If anything, it’s worth picking up for a cheap laugh due to its lack of purpose.
Spongebob Squarepants: The Cosmic Shake does a lot of things really right and well to make this feel like a Spongebob game for the current generation. But its lackluster objectives and its sometimes repetitive platforming and combat hold it back from being great. Instead, we’re left with a decent game that’s well worthwhile for a casual Spongebob or action-platforming fan, but a bit short of expectations for anybody who hoped this would take over as their new favorite Spongebob game.
Even with its few distracting flaws, almost anyone will find something worthwhile in Hi-Fi Rush. Its seamless integration of rhythm into exploration and combat is met with a harmonious and interesting soundtrack. Colorful, engaging, and funny, anybody will be able to pick up this title easily.
Dead Space and EA Motive pulled off what many had doubted since its announcement. They not only remade Dead Space from the ground up, but they made a superior version of one of the greatest horror games ever made.
A Space for the Unbound gently reminds us of the value and importance of human connection through our words with dream-like, mindful storytelling.
When taken as a whole, Fire Emblem: Engage often succeeds, though where it falls, it falls a bit hard. With a largely less-than-stellar cast keeping you company for the 40+ hours you may find yourself playing this game, there are many times when the game’s solid narrative and excellent gameplay aren’t able to carry it through to the finish it feels like it deserves.
Forspoken isn’t without its hiccups…Nevertheless, I enjoyed my time with Forspoken’s focal storyline…The relationship between the two main characters never ceases to entertain, and the gameplay is enjoyable.
It makes numerous improvements in how it onboards new players, adds layers to its core combat loop that are difficult to imagine going without now, and does so while staying true to what makes the series so special.
Overall, One Piece Odyssey is the best video game story set in the One Piece universe to date. A delightful story and beautiful worlds more than make up for some more frustrating and outdated JRPG staples. Non-fans of the franchise might have a harder time getting into the already-established world, but it’s a hurdle that can absolutely be cleared. Whether players are newcomers or lifelong fans, One Piece Odyssey is a grand adventure absolutely worth going on.
Children of Silentown sinks you into a world that is eerily beautiful. It holds you, not knowing what the night brings or what lurks in the forest – and that’s a good thing.
Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider succeeds more than it stumbles, providing a short but enjoyable experience.
Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII Reunion is not only a perfect example of what a remaster should be but also the perfect way to play this classic game. Plus, it being available on so many platforms makes it the most approachable way for anyone who wants to experience this nonsensically beautiful mess. While it not a perfect game, I have been reminded why Crisis Core holds a special place in my heart. This is a special story that’s growing in new ways, and being able to experience it all again with almost remake-level updates to almost every aspect of the game while keeping its heart and soul the same is something truly special.
River City Girls 2 is a solid beat ’em up on account of both its aesthetic and its gameplay. While it’s hampered by some elements of its combat not being as clear or precise as I’d hoped, the overall atmosphere and experience of playing the game are quite fun.
Players familiar with fast-paced combat and dark depictions of fairy tales will find that Blacktail has a lot to offer. Unfortunately, however, Blacktail often trips over its own feet by trying too hard to create a large variety of gameplay mechanics and easily losing track of the goals of its narrative.
Anyone who isn’t thrilled at the idea of having Roiland constantly chattering in their ear for a dozen hours straight will likely find the game’s incessant need to force itself on the player annoying. With the addition of uncompelling combat, frustrating exploration, and a lack of anything else to offer players, High on Life is one of the most annoying, derivative, and slogging experiences in years.
I could see the vision of Hello Neighbor 2. The premise was promising, and the puzzles offered some fun, but the game is very unpolished. Between the frequent crashes, visual and AI bugs, and no reason to sneak around whatsoever, I really can’t recommend this game as it currently stands, even if you are a fan of this series.
Kukoos: Lost Pets is a fantastic 3D platformer that uses its environmental designs. Vibrant in style and fantastic in gameplay, Kukoos: Lost Pets is a joy I didn’t expect from 2022, and I wish I had played it while in Early Access.
If you are looking for deep, turn-based combat, blended with a healthy dose of superhero angst, Marvel’s Midnight Suns will serve up something special and well worth making time for this holiday season.