The Punished Backlog
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A major focus of games discourse in recent years has been the number of notable titles that released in an unfinished, unpolished state. Exoprimal presents the inverse of this fear, where players get a fully-polished title that fails to elicit even a modicum of delight or exhilaration. There’s nothing wrong with a campy, silly backdrop for a multiplayer title, but you have to actually make the case that shooting these MacGuffins is a better use of time than shooting a different set of MacGuffins. In the current environment for multiplayer experiences—which is far more competitive than it’s ever been for new entrants—simply working as intended can’t be enough.
OXENFREE II is another great adventure game from Night School Studios, and a worthwhile successor to OXENFREE. The game feels like the studio’s letter to its most successful title, a missive that dictates, “I’ll always love you, but I’m moving on now.” It’s an ethos that, hopefully, some of its pained characters and players can learn from.
Dave the Diver is a magical, mesmerizing, unforgettable gem. Mintrocket’s debut game isn’t just one of the best indie games of the year—it’s also quickly become one of my favorite games of the last decade. Its world is beautiful, tantalizing, and surprisingly dangerous. Dave and the cast are well-written and meticulously animated. The sushi makes me hungry every time I play. Dave the Diver more than delivers on its promise as a fun maritime adventure and role-playing game. Part salt-water exploration game, part sushi restaurant management sim, the game becomes so much more than the ocean blue aesthetic that initially meets the eye.
AEW: Fight Forever has some small issues, but there is nothing here that affects the moment-to-moment gameplay. I would like to see more varied options in the creation suite, but I look forward to the continued support and DLC for this game. This is one I can see myself putting a significant amount of time into. Fight Forever, much like AEW itself, is a welcome alternative and a damn good time.
Wildfrost is definitely worth investing in if you enjoy deck-building games. However, I wouldn't recommend it for those unfamiliar with the genre. It's too difficult for inexperienced players and could ruin a newcomer's interest. However, if you are looking for a challenging card game, Wildfrost is the perfect candidate for you. There's a lot to love about this game, and I hope that it gains popularity outside of just the deck-building community.
Street Fighter 6 introduces a versatile fighting game system that brilliantly refines mechanics introduced in previous iterations. With its innovative story mode and modern control options, it stands out from its predecessors as the most accessible Street Fighter game ever made. Add in its unique style and solid online gameplay options, and Street Fighter 6 shines bright for the series while setting the bar high for future fighting games.
Cassette Beasts succeeds as a monster fighter designed for those who grew up on Pokémon Red and Blue. While it could benefit from fewer of the mildly irritating puzzles and a story that’s slightly snappier, it’s well worth playing if you have any degree of nostalgia for Pokémon, Shin Megami Tensei, or those long childhood nights you spent playing your Game Boy into the wee hours.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is absolutely worth playing. It’s a rare game that exceeds despite several key issues, and the more I reflect on its narrative and core themes, the more impressed I find myself. Beware spoilers, and go in with zero expectations. Jedi: Survivor will win over your heart, just like it did mine.
Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly encourages people to think about the little ways they can make the world around them a better place, one drink at a time. It doesn't reach the same emotional crescendos as the original Coffee Talk, but it articulates its vibe so well that it might not matter. For anyone who has ever dreamed of feeling like a regular, Coffee Talk Episode 2 delivers.
SEASON: A Letter to the Future is an unforgettable story about the power of memories—how joyful it can be to make them, and how painful it can be to lose them. It has rough edges. The story asks more than it answers, and the game feels too short for a journey of its magnitude, but these flaws only confirm what I already believe—that I wish there was more of this brilliant game. Whether you’re a lover of adventure games or simply looking to lose yourself on a mystical journey, SEASON has plenty it’s willing to show you.
I’m surprised a mobile game can be this good, without reaching for the wallet. I have concerns about the battle pass, but those can wait for another day. Marvel Snap is out now, and the reality is, it’s stellar. Play it on iOS or Android, or try an early access version for PC via Steam (widescreen support is coming soon). Thanos might be bad, but this snap is damn good.
I’m embarrassed to say that I love Disney Dreamlight Valley. It is certainly the least cool new game I’ll play all year, but it’s a delight nonetheless, partially because it’s easy to play, and easy to enjoy.
Stray is as good a weekend binge as any, even if it failed my little cat-owner heart or made me grimace over rice paddy hats. As a video game, Stray is far from perfect, but as a cat-riding-in-a-bucket simulator, it’s pretty incredible.
In spite of its flaws and lack of freedom, Glitchhikers is a sweet, casual game for anyone who is a little sad and in need of human connection. And really, who isn’t feeling that way these days?
As I sat there looking at the colorful rendering of Elk and my 100% completion save file, I wondered if my assumption was inherently American. I had these thoughts of, Give me my prize. Give me the thing again without having to work for it. Give me the chance to look at this again. I knew, looking at that menu screen, that that was not the point of Welcome to Elk. The point of Welcome to Elk is to experience a small world of stories and lives. And there’s no way to dip your toes in. Like the lovable alcoholic schoolteacher Sue, sometimes you have to just dive into those frigid waters and swim to shore.
Where the gameplay may be lacking, The Big Con makes up for with emotional stakes. I found Ali’s relationships to be engaging, funny, and heartfelt. She can call her mom and her best friend—who she’s currently on the outs with—from the road. She makes friends with recurring guests along the road, including a particularly funny Pawn Shop Broker (the game’s way of letting you sell random items for extra cash). She even has a delightful imaginary friend called Rad Ghost who serves as a helper—emotionally, and logistically with controls—throughout the game. Amid the nostalgia and time travel, there is a very tangible reflection on the transience of commercial fads as well as a love and concern for small businesses. Ali is a good kid, and getting to follow her journey, living vicariously through her as the cool ‘90s teen I never was, was worth even the most lackluster of pickpocketing opportunities.
Road 96 is flawed yet fascinating. It takes aim at U.S. politics in a way I’ve seen few games tackle, if any. While it’s far from subtle in its approach, the game is sure to generate some valuable conversations among players—and that deserves praise. The game also impresses with its novel storytelling structure, brisk pacing, and smart use of supporting characters. There are issues. The game’s procedural nature is undercut by a “look, don’t touch” design philosophy. Narrative drives the game forward, and gameplay almost always takes a backseat. The game offers little in the way of difficulty, and the voice acting is so bad, the game would have been better off without voiced lines at all. And yet, Road 96 is so much more than the sum of its parts. It’s not going to appease all kinds of players, and it certainly won’t win over those it looks to critique, but those who give it a chance will surely warm up to its charm. Road 96 is a worthy trip, potholes and all.
"12 Minutes is the car crash you wince at, but can’t help but crane your neck to stare at. The game’s premise was brilliant, the concept trailer was masterful, and the cast couldn’t have been better. But none of those components make up for what is, ultimately, a game founded on contrived mechanics and underwhelming storytelling."
"Boyfriend Dungeon innovates in the realm of story and character, rather than with its gameplay systems, and I think it’s to the game’s benefit. Not every action game needs to reinvent the wheel in terms of mechanics. The experience is straightforward, and allows the spotlight to be on the fun characters and energizing gameplay. [...] I hope you try it out, and when you do, tell me who your fave sword is, and I’ll tell you mine."
Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights caught me by complete surprise. 2021 has been a quiet year so far, yet it’s easy for smaller games like this to fall through the cracks. And that’d be a shame. If you’re starving for more info on Metroid Dread and Hollow Knight: Silksong, no need to go hungry. Ender Lilies is far more than an appetizer; it’s a whole meal, and one of the best Metroidvanias in recent memory. Don’t miss it.