CBR's Reviews
However, issues like high cosmetic prices, lacking game modes, and overall feeling of a lack of polish, weigh heavily on the game as it stands. None of these problems feel insurmountable, but they do prevent Highguard from reaching its full potential at launch. Highguard is a good game with flashes of greatness and the possibility of becoming something truly special if its developers continue to build on its promising core.
I genuinely feel like a proud parent whenever I show off my Cozy Caravan character. The game does a lot to create a warm, comforting atmosphere that feels especially welcome right now. It’s the kind of game I’ll happily keep checking in on after finishing the review. If you’re looking for a new cozy game to sink into or a game like Animal Crossing, Cozy Caravan should absolutely be at the top of your list.
Like any real climb, a few mistakes are part of the process, and that’s okay. Cairn feels special, not just because of its physics-based climbing, but because it earns its place among the most rewarding hard games out there.
However, it just never quite feels like an essential recommendation for anyone other than hardcore Soulslike fans who appreciate a bit of anime flair. Combat lacks that last bit of punch to elevate its encounters, presentation doesn’t always match modern standards, and missing features like co-op feel like lost opportunities. Code Vein 2 is an enjoyable Soulslike with clear strengths, but it stops short of fully realizing its potential.
The FF7 Remake is a masterpiece, and the fact that it's actually playable on a Nintendo console is incredible. It's been almost 6 years since the game came out, but it still holds up, and the visuals are stunning in both docked and handheld modes.
Despite these drawbacks, the overall game is still strong, and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is a welcome return to a beloved franchise. The game is an excellent send-off for the Switch 2's first year.
Hands down, Octopath Traveler 0 is the new gold standard for the Octopath franchise. Octopath Traveler II technically has better graphics, but Octopath Traveler 0 still looks great and has especially strong art & cutscene direction. The story and writing are leagues above the first two games combined, playing out like a traditional JRPG while still retaining the series' unique narrative scope. Best of all, battles are better than ever by giving you a full party of eight to play around with and challenging you with some of the most memorable bosses in the series. It was actually hard for me to go back to Octopath II since combat felt so much slower and less exciting than OT0.
Just about everything about Marvel Cosmic Invasion is so smooth and sublime, I fear it may have ruined my ability to go back and play some of my favorite genre classics like Streets of Rage 2 and Knights of the Round—it's just that good.
What's really great about Kirby Air Riders is that it gives players a reason to keep playing. Players will naturally earn achievements as they play, and that makes it hard to put down. It's clear that Sakurai fully fleshed out the game he wanted to make in 2003, and the passion he had for Kirby Air Riders really shines through.
Hello Kitty and Friends Freeze Tag Party could also end up with a shockingly grown-up fan base who thought they were just buying a game for their kids and ended up burning the midnight oil to get their Prince Cinnamoroll to level eight and unlock his Invincible Moment.
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Dispatch is a masterclass in interactive storytelling and a must-play for absolutely everyone who can appreciate quick, witty writing, and it should absolutely be considered a late addition to the Game of the Year conversation.
Thanks to Arc Raiders, it feels like we're entering a new era of live service multiplayer games marked not by competitive min-maxing and meta build optimization, but by authentic human interaction and community-driven storytelling.
This game is different from what Pokémon fans are used to, but it’s a good kind of different. Pokémon Legends: Z-A adds another good game to the Switch 2 just before the holiday season.
Square Enix have gone above and beyond honoring the original duology's legacy, whilst addressing virtually every single flaw both games originally had. Dungeons are massive labyrinths that'll challenge you every step of the way; the world is dense with secrets for those who can't help but explore every nook & cranny; and the series' deceptively deep combat is equal part addictively fun and rewardingly strategic.
The blank slate of it all perfectly captures the imagination of any player and should be considered as one of the best sci-fi RPGS in recent memory. Even if gamers haven’t played the first game, they need to give The Outer Worlds 2 a shot.
With Battlefield 2042, there were so many problems right out of the gate that by the time things had smoothed out and gotten back on track, it was far too little, too late. Comparatively, Battlefield 6 is already one of the best shooters of the past decade, and it's only been out for a few days. Chances are, at this rate, it could go down as the very best in the entire series.
Going through Ezo is not only beautiful, but the organic way of discovering objectives helps to set it apart from other checklist open-world games. The little touches of the DualSense and modes help round out an incredible journey. If exclusives help sell a console, then Ghost of Yotei is a clear winner for PlayStation 5.
It’s hard to nitpick Hades II simply because there are hardly any flaws. It’s an experience that’ll stick with me for a while, as Hades II is one of the must-play titles in a legendary year for gaming.
Now that players can dive into Alien: Rogue Incursion without a VR headset, the urgency that previously overshadowed the mystery elements of the game has been almost entirely removed, leaving behind a more leisurely gaming experience that is still perfectly capable of raising players' heart rates.