XboxEra's Reviews
What is currently in the game is extremely fun, easily one of the most accessible and engaging action RPGs of the generation. The mixture of Minecraft aesthetics and fast-paced ARPG tropes creates a familiar yet unique formula that can satisfy purists and newcomers alike, both in solo and co-op. The choices made to have a game that accodomodates less experienced players takes a toll on the title’s variety and depth.
For what it is and what it wants to be, Maneater is an infectiously fun open world title that follows familiar grounds in terms of design, presenting a unique gameplay loop however that will satisfy fans of these legendary predators.
This game is divisive, there’s no doubting that and I can completely understand why someone wouldn’t enjoy it or wouldn’t quite get it. But if you approach it with measured expectations and treat it as more of an experience as opposed to a game, there’s a really relaxing use of your time to be had. This is a truly ambitious indie game and I can completely see the LIDAR technology being refined and used in future games. As this game is also confirmed to be part of the Smart Delivery program for Series X, it’s possible we could see some of that refinement as soon as later this year. While this isn’t for everyone, it’s worth checking out even to take in the views that the LIDAR tech provides. As the resident achievement hunter of XboxEra, the easy-ish 1000GS and low price entry point also helps.
West of Dead is a really enjoyable game that hooks you with its combat. While the idea of starting all over again can be a brutal punishment, particularly when you’ve found yourself nicely upgraded and powerful, the game is fun enough for it to not detract from your enjoyment too much.
Overall if you can look past its flaws Maid of Sker provides a fun little romp through a setting haunted by the physical supernatural. Unlocking your path forward can be a rewarding experience but you may need to endure a few trial and errors to get there. The story is serviceable but predictable and is saved by the fantastic realization of the backdrop in which your playing. A serviceable game that will definitely find an audience.
In conclusion while not a great game I can happily call ReCore a good one now. While a technical and unfinished mess at launch the Definitive Edition has addressed every major issue and the majority of the minor ones. It is available on Game Pass for both console and PC and is an easy recommendation for anyone looking for an engaging 10 to 15-hour experience that may be light on story but is heavy on fun.
Though not as expansive as some other bigger titles, Fury Unleashed is a superb little number that compels you to stay sharp and always attack. Do that, and the rewards mount up. But it does require constant attention and vigilance, which means it probably won’t suit those who like to sit back and have a relaxing adventure.
It’s honestly hard to recommend this title outside potentially as an option to keep the kids busy due to the 4 player local multiplayer. As I said earlier, the potential for something genuinely good is buried there somewhere, but there’s just too much lacking in just about every area to recommend forking over $30 to play this.
This is not a particularly forgiving game, and for folks out there that want to see just how good it can look on your screen at home, you may find yourself unable to penetrate the heart of the simulation that lies under this beautifully crafted fuselage. And that’s okay – not every game can be made for every player out there. There’s an enormous amount of enjoyment to be had in just exploring, and that speaks to me in a way not a lot of games have over the years. Cruising at 30,000 feet with the hum of the engine, the rattle of turbulence and the world below me, available in a way it never has been is absolutely worth sending a postcard home about.
When it was all said and done, Battletoads isn’t going to win awards for writing, doesn’t set a new bar for any single genre, and none of their mini games should be spun off into full fledged games. Yet Dlala created something fun here, kept me engaged and offered a good amount of content without over-staying its welcome. This is a good effort for a new studio and I’m looking forward to seeing what they can do in the future. In these troubled times we live in, I welcome a game that exists solely to be bright, over the top, and fun. Battletoads may not be the best retro reboot this year, but it’s a good time nonetheless.
It also comes to the market at a time where nearly everyone who’s interested in the genre has several games to play, is invested in a game’s ecosystem and is hardly looking for a new alternative. These are the reasons why Hyper Scape is struggling to find online buzz, not because it’s a bad game. It’s a high-octane, exciting and peculiar online shooter, but perhaps it’s not what players want right now. Ubisoft Montreal can certainly keep the game interesting by evolving the formula, and we certainly are curious to see where the game is going from here.
Wasteland 3 shines with clear dedication to crafting the best game its genre has ever seen. Excellent visuals are matched by top notch voice work and some of the best and most natural writing I have seen in a video game not made by Naughty Dog. The combat is a brutal dance where one wrong move can spell disaster, but victory is an exhilarating rush that never becomes old. Wasteland 3 cements inXile as one of the best in the business in the RPG genre and affirms that Xbox has something truly special on their hands.
All in all Tell Me Why is a nice 9 hour journey with a great story in a new world that’s able to keep you entertained and engaged. And if you want, you can try out different story branches by making other choices. But if you don’t like DontNod games, you should think twice before jumping in this story in Delos Crossing.
There’s more than enough content here to keep younger gamers busy and even older gamers nostalgic for the genre will enjoy what’s on offer. The caveat being that the game has no difficulty settings and more seasoned gamers might find it a touch easy. But I feel the game is enjoyable enough to not notice how easy the game is and just soak up all the platforming goodness being thrown your way. There’s outfits to buy, secret stages to find and a reasonable amount of collectibles that don’t feel overwhelming or are difficult to attain.
No Straight Roads was really fun to play, for me and my friend. Metronomik’s first game, in my eyes, is a hit that blends so many unique and weird styles. I never felt bored playing this game and I think you won’t be either. Hopefully, if No Straight Roads is successful, we’ll see more titles not just from Metronomik but from other developers in parts of Eurasia not known for gaming.
An integration of the Control and Alan Wake universes is an incredibly exciting premise on paper. AWE promises this as the final DLC for Control, but the execution doesn’t meet what was possible. At the end of AWE, I felt excited about any future exploration of these universes, but underwhelmed about what I had just played.
Spiritfarer is a game where death is treated differently than in many other games, which makes this game unique. We’ve been killing people and things in video games for so long, that we’ve stopped to wonder what actually happens after that. In Spiritfarer we learn this, in a colourful and happy world which invites you to be the best Spiritfarer in history. Who wouldn’t want to leave this world with one of those precious hugs from Stella? One thing is guaranteed. You’ll learn to say goodbye.
Despite a rocky reveal Marvel’s Avengers is a fun, and gorgeous game that is a blast to play both solo and with friends. Featuring a campaign with emotional heft and multiplayer that is built to last, it is an easy recommendation for any fan of either the genre or the source material.
Fans of classic arcade racers from the 90s will feel right at home with Hotshot Racing. Lucky Mountain have clearly demonstrated an understanding of what made those games so great while adding just enough modern modes and systems to allow for both better re-playability and player engagement.
This game was certainly a unique experience. I enjoyed its simplicity, struggled with its challenges, and had fun in the process. The visuals were pleasing, accompanied by clean image quality, and the music was fitting and a tad charming in the process. Despite my frustrations with the moments of platforming here and there and the eventual repetitiveness of the gameplay loop, if I were to ever hunker for a survivalist’s challenge again, I would definitely come back to Windbound.