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Bugsnax captures that Saturday morning cartoon feel. The absurdity that runs through the core of this game is enough to leave a lasting smile on your face. It often borders a line between an episode of Rick & Morty and Spongebob Squarepants. The creators at Younge Horses are off their rockers and I’m glad they have the freedom and drive to develop a game like Bugsnax.
Yes, Astro’s Playroom is included on the console but don’t let it slip off your radar. You’re getting a brilliant platformer on day one that’s an homage to the PlayStation legacy. Throughout four stages, you’ll experience everything the DualSense offers and also a great lead-in to the generation. Since the introduction of the DualShock nearly two decades ago, the controller has marginally improved the experience. Now, I feel like we’re seeing a true revolution thanks to the Adaptive Triggers and Haptic Touch the DualSense uses to immerse players in exciting ways.
Dirt 5 is a content-rich title that fills the gap of a quality racer this fall season. It teeters the line between being an authentic rallycross game and a more casual, arcade-focused experience. However, Dirt 5 plays its role exceptionally well. Broadening its audience base will likely pay off. Plus, with the incorporation of the Playground mode, emphasis on community-driven content will likely see the game thrive as time goes on.
Bright Memory is a short look at the potential next year's Bright Memory Infinite may have, but this demo is a bit rough technically even though the mechanics are fun.
Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory is a definitive look back on the series & newcomers get a great idea of what makes the series so beloved. If you're a veteran and want to brush up on all the lore, Melody of Memory offers that and a bit more.
Sackboy: A Big Adventure is the perfect starter for anyone who owns a PlayStation 5 or even if you're still on PlayStation 4. Bustling with tons of details and colourful locations for you to make your way through, Sumo Digital has delivered a game that’s so enchanting and stunning, it’s hard not to smile when playing Sackboy: A Big Adventure.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla is a mess but at the same time is a ton of fun to play. Exploring England as Eivor, raiding the locals, and flyting is fun but at the expense of a multitude of glitches.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity may not be the sequel Nintendo fans are looking for but it’s certainly worth checking out. It has a good roster of characters, great combat, and some interesting ideas that stick the landing.
Immortals Fenyx Rising soars thanks to a lot of heart and humour, a world that’s full of intrigue and things to do and a combat system that allows you to adapt or adopt your own style.
Demon's Souls is a breathtaking remake from Bluepoint Games. The studio injects new life into a timeless classic that offers PlayStation 5 owners an astounding, challenging game.
Haven's gameplay might not keep you invested as much as the core relationship but the game tells a very real tale of two people in love. Paired with a synthetic lo-fi soundtrack and some beautiful visuals, it's hard not to fall for Kay and Yu's story.
GodFall is a good launch title for the PlayStation 5 but is full of repetitive missions, uninteresting loot mechanics but fun and exciting combat. It's a mixed bag but ultimately fun and worth adding to your collection!
Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & The Secret Fairy is an excellent follow-up. Gust has improved on so many things that it's hard not to love this game or its characters but the various systems may be overwhelming for any newcomers.
If you’re a fairweather fan or a newcomer to the franchise, there’s no better time to jump in. Especially with the added bonus of improvements made to Hitman and Hitman 2.
Olija is short but it is an impactful game. It’s got some minor technical issues but the gameplay is intense, the story is impeccable and the puzzles are challenging. The atmosphere of Terraphage is as important to the game as Faraday himself and it’s thanks to the magical harpoon that Faraday wields that the gameplay is so much fun. I’d love to revisit this game but it is so short and lacking in replayability - the upside is that the time you spend with Olija won’t soon be forgotten.
Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is a great follow up and yet another satisfying chapter of Adol Christin's life. Playing as Adol and the supporting Monstrum proves that there is still a ton of life left for the Ys series. The darker take and the Prison City of Balduq are full of secrets and treasure and the sidequests are some of the best the series has offered.
Little Nightmares II improves on the first game and introduces a new character. It's up to you to piece together the events unfolding. The scares are bigger, the world is far more twisted and the gameplay is a nice reprieve from bigger AAA titles.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury might include the same game that was on the Wii U but it's also a title that needs to be experienced by everyone who owns a Nintendo Switch.
Destruction AllStars showcases the power of the PlayStation 5 and has good gameplay loops but the microtransactions and barebones presentation never elevate the game from good to great.
Persona 5 Strikers is an exciting sequel that takes the Phantom Thieves on a cross-country tour to clear their names. With Koei Tecmo streamlining most systems and using an action battle system, the sequel succeeds on many levels.