Console Creatures's Reviews
Ghosts 'n Goblins Resurrection is a great return for the series that offers a classic challenge. Newcomers fret not, Capcom has modernized the gameplay to accommodate everyone.
Foregone excels in its boss fights, challenges and its fluid controls. And yet, it's repetitive enemy and platform types paired with a sparse and underwhelming story makes Foregone a premium-priced platformer that isn't anything special, but it's far from a bad game.
Monster Hunter Rise is the most accessible iteration of the popular series and it is easily one of the best games out this year. If you have never played Monster Hunter because of how overwhelming the games feel, this is the best entry point because of how it works. Fans of the series also get a great new entry that impresses technically and graphically on the Nintendo Switch.
It Takes Two is one of the finest co-op experiences out there and one of the best games out this year. From a gameplay standpoint, there is a consistently creative approach to how you solve challenges with your partner and there is no better game to play that uses co-op, and this highly memorable story will make you laugh and even pull at your heartstrings.
Feral Cat Den's Genesis Noir is a unique blend of animation, music, and innovation. While it is a simple point-and-click adventure, the story is beautifully told through its stunning presentation. Some of the puzzles might not offer many challenges but the experience is not that you won't soon forget.
Disco Elysium - The Final Cut is a marvel in storytelling, world-building, and character-building. With Disco Elysium finally on consoles, there is no excuse to skip out on one of the most interesting mysteries in years.
Outriders may not excel at anything in particular but it does enough right to keep things interesting. The gunplay is good, the core loop of finding new gear is fun and exploring Enoch with friends (or solo) is a blast.
With the quality of life improvements and cut content returning, diehard JRPG fans will enjoy SaGa Frontier Remastered. Finally, the series gets its due and the experience is one you won't forget.
NieR Replicant is finally getting its due thanks to upgraded combat, enhanced visuals and one of the best soundtracks of all time. If you skipped out the first time or only played Automata, Replicant is where it all started and worth a visit.
Housemarque has delivered its finest title to date and while it may not be for everyone, when the clicks, it is impossible to put down. Returnal offers a satisfying loop strengthened by a sense of discovery that few games offer.
New Pokémon Snap is a wholesome reinvention of the original, bringing the best bits forward into the sequel. We’ve battled Pokémon but being able to leisurely snap photos and these creatures in their habitat is as fun as capturing them all.
Resident Evil Village pushes the series forward and reaches a new series high. The village setting is a fully realized place that serves as nightmare fuel and the new monsters, enemies and setting add a new layer to the lore. Where the series goes now is anyone's guess but the series is strong as ever 25 years later.
Subnautica: Below Zero is a great follow-up, improving on the formula. While this sequel won't be for everyone, the moment-to-moment survival mechanics are excellent and exploring each biome is a ton of fun.
Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster is a must-play that caters to long-time fans and newcomers. This is a game that likes to get weird, offering an off-the-wall story about the end of the world. As remaster it offers the minimum but the gameplay is easily some of the best the series offers.
Biomutant is a quirky and fun action RPG that falls into a formulaic pattern the more you play. Combat is fun and frantic and the level of character upgrades is a great addition but surface-level systems prevent a good game from being excellent.
Insomniac Games deliver a Rivet-ing new Ratchet & Clank video game, one of the best protagonists in years while evolving the gameplay and proving that Sony purchasing the studio was the right decision. Rift Apart is the one exclusive on PlayStation that everyone needs to experience.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is the same game from last year, but has a wealth of quality of life upgrades. Better textures, loading times, improved frame rate and an expansion focusing on Yuffie make this the best way to experience the remake on PlayStation 5.
Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX won't be for everyone but it is something fans of the original will cherish. As a remake, it does a good job updating the visuals and some of the mechanics but Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX carries the same issues as the original did three decades ago.
With an abundance of quests, a fun battle system, and some of the most beautiful hand-drawn graphics you'll ever see, Legend of Mana gets a second chance at proving itself to a new generation.
Scarlet Nexus is an excellent game bogged down by some minor issues. Combat is fast, frantic, and fluid and offers some exhilarating moments but at the cost of bland environments and fruitless exploration.