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Using Astro’s Playroom as a template, Team Asobi delivered a bigger and better 3D platformer with Astro Bot. This latest series entry features creative levels and mechanics that are a joy to play. And while it’s accessible to players of all skill levels, it has enough challenges to satisfy platforming experts. To top it all off, it’s an excellent tribute to PlayStation’s various iconic and lesser-known characters. Even if Astro Bot doesn’t seem like the type of game that you’d play, it’s very much worth playing given the sheer fun that you can have with its creative platforming gameplay. As such, Astro Bot has the makings of PlayStation’s next big franchise.
There’s a lot to love about Gundam Breaker 4 as it returns to the roots of the franchise in successful fashion. This game provides lots of engaging combat encounters thanks to its tried-and-tested mechanics that it borrows from Gundam Breaker 3, albeit with new additions. Perhaps the best thing about it is the customization system which offers an addictive experience for Gundam fans and Gunpla collectors. It’s also great that the in-depth customization is great not only for combat but also for the Diorama and Photo modes which are cool additions. Plus, even more casual Gundam fans can have fun here as the story mode is quite engaging. Sure, the combat could be smoother, and the missions can feel a bit samey, but these are minor issues overall. As such, Gundam Breaker 4 is a great return to form for the series that Gunpla builders will definitely love.
Star Wars Outlaws is a fresh new take on not only a Star Wars story but the Ubisoft open world formula as well. The galaxy's criminal underworld is brought to life with stunning visuals and highly engaging gameplay mechanics that had me lost in this world for hours on end.
In many ways, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: ISEKAI Chronicles is a fun game as its combo-focused 2D sidescrolling combat is fun, and it’s supplemented by a nice city-building mechanic that makes for a compelling gameplay loop. This game is far from perfect though as the core loop can instead feel dull for some players. Some issues with the fairly simplistic combat and city-building mechanic also get in the way of the experience. Still, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: ISEKAI Chronicles can be an engaging experience, though it’s one that we can only really recommend to existing Slime Isekai fans. For those who aren’t fans of the franchise yet, it would be better to give the anime a watch before trying this game out.
Where Nobody Wants to Die succeeds in presentation and sound, it fails in narrative strength and player engagement. It's a great looking movie, but a less than stellar plot to hold it all together.
Demon Slayer: Sweep the Board adds some twists to the party board game formula, though its main mechanics could've been made more engaging by making them more competitive. Its mini-games could also be better as they're fairly easy. Still, the game should offer a good time for Demon Slayer fans, especially for in-person get-togethers.
SPY x ANYA: Operation Memories isn't the most exciting anime game as it's mostly about experiencing and taking pictures various scenarios with Anya with her family and friends. While it would've been better to see more original scenarios, the heartwarming moments will delight Spy x Family fans. Plus, the minigames are fun to play with family or partner.
Even though I haven’t had much experience with the series prior to playing Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble, I had a fun time with this game thanks to its simple yet challenging 200 levels. Having the various accessibility modes was also helpful for me given that I’m not particularly good at platformers. More than the solo experience though, Banana Rumble shines in multiplayer. The 16-player Battle Mode is nice to have, but its local co-op feature is what makes it worth checking out for Switch owners as it is definitely a great match for parties. Overall, this game should be worth a look for both long-time fans and those who are new to Super Monkey Ball like me. This Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble review was made with a Switch game code provided by the publisher.
The blend of nostalgic charm and modern enhancements makes Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster a standout title that showcases the enduring appeal of the classic GameCube titles. Whether you’re revisiting the skies or soaring through them for the first time, this remaster is an adventure worth going on. The journey is as magical as it was years ago, and the improvements make it even more enjoyable today.
Shadow of the Erdtree is another top-notch Souls DLC by FromSoftware as it features a massive and dense new map that's a joy to explore, all while adding tough unique bosses and a load of new weapons that will make you want to replay the game.
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance allows the original SMT 5 to spread its wings a bit more with excellent systematic refinements that brings the former Nintendo Switch exclusive to modern systems. If the improved gameplay and visuals weren't enough, the all-new Canon of Vengeance shakes up the original campaign just enough to provide a refreshing new experience.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade II is an incredible experience that simply should not be missed. The game is fully committed to immersing players with fantastic world-building, top tier visual presentation, world-class audio design, and a narrative that continues to not shy away from the complex themes it combines with such dense mythology. Ninja Theory has themselves yet another all-timer with this one.
Stellar Blade is a gorgeous game that carries a lot of interesting factors in gameplay, narrative, and world building. However, it felt like SHIFT UP wasn't all that confident in truly going all out in terms of a more unique execution to tie it all together. As it stands, it's a perfectly enjoyable game on its own but it definitely could've been a lot more special.
Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition on PC is the definitive way to play the game and its expansion. It was an already impressive title on the PS5 and now, it is elevated into new heights with the best-in-the-industry optimization. Incredible performance, insane visual fidelity, on top of an already phenomenal game to begin with.
Intense, engaging, and unquestionably a title that remains focused on realizing a vision that has been developed since the original, Dragon's Dogma 2 is a crowning achievement when it comes to providing an incredible hardcore RPG experience. This is a game that is not afraid to be different, and it is so much more enticing because of it.
Rise of the Ronin is an unfortunate example of what happens when the chase for mainstream appeal goes in the way of creative identity. While it's still a fairly enjoyable action game when it allows itself to be, it's ultimately bogged down by half-baked mechanics that make the world feel emptier than it looks.
Unicorn Overlord is the TRPG that I've been waiting for. It's the game that finally made me understand why the genre is as beloved as it is with highly engaging gameplay systems that doesn't sacrifice depth for simplicity. It manages to excel in both to provide one of the most enjoyable gaming experiences I've had this year.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth serves as a heartfelt tribute to the enduring legacy of one of gaming's most iconic titles. It's a labor of love that pays homage to the original while boldly venturing into new territory. By reimagining the beloved 1997 classic for modern audiences, Rebirth breathes new life into every corner of its meticulously crafted setting, unforgettable characters, and world-class storytelling. Gone are the limitations of 90s technology, replaced by stunning visuals, engaging gameplay mechanics, and a narrative depth that remains to be emotionally resonant at its very core. Yet, amidst the modern advancements, lies a profound respect for the source material—a recognition of the countless hours fans spent in the original, expanding upon it in ways that were once unimaginable. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is truly the best reward one can get for being such an avid fan of the series and is truly a masterpiece of RPG Gaming.
Skull and Bones should've just been a dedicated singleplayer pirate RPG. Instead, it's a live-service product that I don't see surviving past a handful of seasonal updates. Unless a massive tidal wave is coming that gives everything a proper shakeup, it's lost at sea for me with this one.
Helldivers 2 is an absolute blast to play. This sequel combines incredible gameplay with an intense dedication to paying homage to all things classic sci-fi action. One of the best coop experiences that can be had in the market today. This is an easy cop for anyone even remotely interested by it.