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Monster Hunter Wilds doesn’t stray too far from the pack, but the update via the RE Engine and some added mobility do make their presence known. While Wilds is certainly easier than previous editions, it carves its own path and delivers a truly memorable adventure.
Shadows of the Orient should be right up my alley. Pixel platformers are often joyous and engaging, but here, the game felt like it was fighting me at every step. Had the dash been available from the start with a better way to climb up when you are right at a ledge, then Shadows of the Orient would be downright impressive, instead of another platformer I’ll forget about by next week.
With some truly wonderful writing and an engaging pair of protagonists, I adored Assassin’s Creed Shadows. I was obsessed with finishing the assassination targets and working through the Objective board with many late nights to see it through. The wait for Ubisoft to bring the series to Japan has been worth it, especially given the technical appeal of modern gaming making it even more impressive than I had imagined. Naoe and Yasuke are my definitive heroes for this series, two individuals who are wonderfully portrayed by their respective actors, and the talented team that brought them to life.
While both Split Fiction and It Takes Two don’t quite nail the landing in their final acts, the journey is nonetheless a stellar example of how to do a co-op game justice. Split Fiction’s spin of sci-fi and fantasy works extremely well here with a captivating pair in Mio and Zoe, two writers who push through their own personal traumas to heal alongside one another. Split Fiction is the definitive co-op experience with engaging mechanics that constantly impress with their creativity and design. With unique mechanics around every turn, Split Fiction constantly keeps you on your toes and rewards you with a truly sensational adventure.
Given how quickly RGG can turn around a game, especially as this is the sixth Yakuza game in five years, you sort of get what RGG has done here if you are aware of their history. Visually, the game is fine enough for what it is doing. It’s not a next-gen masterpiece, but the series faithful know what they are getting here. Similar to previous entries like “The man who erased his name”, this is a small side story that looks to expand upon key moments the series is fleshing out, given the fall of the Yakuza in Like a Dragon. And, with where this story wraps up, I’m interested to see how Majima and those present in the game’s final moments, look to play out their respective futures.
Why its combat has kept me at arm's length from labeling this as a masterpiece, I still found Kingdom Come Deliverance II to excel and innovate in ways the genre has desperately needed in years. In a lot of ways, this is the definitive Bethesda experience that we are unlikely to see from the publisher. Warhorse has delivered a wealth of smart design and function here to craft an absolutely impressive saga that is as brutal as the era requires.
Warriors Abyss may be an asset reuse from the history of their respective franchises, but it takes those assets and builds a rather enjoyable roguelite around them. Yes, it is pretty repetitive as it doesn’t have the non-combat moments that made Hades so memorable, and the story itself is very basic, but the gameplay is what helps this title shine. With its low cost of entry and a massive cast of 100 characters, there is a lot to dive into, and is one hell of a time.
Lost Records’ opening chapter doesn’t quite provide enough of the mystery to have me excited for its next and final chapter. That said, the bonds created by these girls is a captivating experience that drew me in. While dialogue choices are the bread and butter of this experience, I do wish the reliance on the camcorder did something to flavor that story in ways that we just don’t see here. While Bloom is a fairly enjoyable chapter, here’s hoping that Rage can seal the deal.
Trails through Daybreak II is certainly my least favorite Legend of Heroes game, but given that I adore them all, that isn’t saying anything too negative. It’s certainly hard to follow up the stunning saga that came before, even with a cast that is as likable as what is here. While the more mundane elements of this game certainly stand out more than they have before, the core story that is told here is worth the trek, even if the narrative hook I’ve mentioned previously can zap some of the emotional impact we are meant to have. Regardless, Trails through Daybreak II is quite enjoyable and provides you with a solid adventure with a fun cast and some engaging moments.
Neptunia Riders VS Dogoos is a complete miss. It feels like a glorified DLC pack for a previous game that never approaches anything deserving of its own release. The story and presentation feel like the first draft of what could have been special, and the driving itself is lackluster and boring. A proper racing game along the lines of Mario Kart could have been impressive, especially considering the roster of console waifus throughout the series. Instead, it is a creature collecting driving games that is extremely disappointing and barely worth your time.
Despite its issues, Big Helmet Heroes is a blast. Its story bits feel unfinished, but the central gameplay that makes up 95% of the adventure is a true successor to Castle Crashers, making it a fun time with two players. While four players would have been ideal for being a party game, it’s likely something the studio will approach in a possible sequel, or at least that is my dream for where this series could go.With fun weapons, engaging abilities, and 28 other knights to unlock across 20 levels, Big Helmet Heroes is certainly a fun time with a friend.
Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter truly surprised me. It looked engaging from the few trailers that were released, but I never expected to be fully blown away, and yet, it’s a game that I adore. The game runs impressively on the Switch with not a single technical blemish. Arlo’s journey is emotional and engaging, with combat that suits the Warden of Wastes to find allies to combat this vampiric threat. With a wide arrangement of weapons and impressive abilities, you’ll find this to be a memorable adventure and one worth taking
Sniper Elite Resistance is a bit of a mixed bag, but it often does right more than it does wrong. The campaign is fine enough when you are playing with another player, but its story is lacking and its character models are incredibly subpar, especially compared to Sniper Elite 5. However, the multiplayer is what saves this entire package and is damn fun, making me eager to jump in once servers are properly populated. While it is more of the same, and that is both damning and expected, it is at least more of the same of a game that was incredibly fun. And hey, you get to smack a bunch of Nazis around
Eternal Strands may initially look generic and not offer much to it that hasn’t been done before, but it greatly opens up to have a flexibility with its powers and systems that I don’t see anyone doing. For a debut game from a studio with an immense amount of credits to their names, this is a solid adventure that is rich and rewarding in its system as much as it is to its story and charm. While it certainly is inspired from a wealth of games, it more than justifies its existence by actually making those components feel fun to engage with. People often say they want new games with fresh experiences, and Eternal Strands may be set in the familiar, but it is certainly one of those games to support and celebrate.
Dynasty Warriors Origins is a really enjoyable game and the best looking title in the series by a mile. The story may tread on familiar territory with being a tad bloated in conversation, but the bonds you’ll make with the massive cast of characters can produce some really fun moments. With a ton of weapons to master and a decent skill tree to work towards, Origins is a staggeringly solid comeback after the disastrous Dynasty Warriors 9. Whether new to the series or a veteran of the franchise, Origins is hands-down the best in the series.
Star Wars: Episode One: Jedi Power Battles Remastered could have been a charming beat’em up and fixed the list of issues that plagued it several years ago. However, with no real changes to gameplay, visuals, or its structure, Jedi Power Battles is the same bad Star Wars game it was 25 years ago. While co-op can alleviate some of the tedium and frustration in the controls, platforming, and combat, there are simply better games out there that also provide a better playing experience.
DreadOut Remastered Collection may not really be “remastered” and is more of a direct port, but it does provide a decent amount of spooks should you find the camera mechanic to suit what you want from it. I still think the camera needs to be more responsive, and that some encounters altered to address the size of the environment. Regardless, there is something still charming and well done about the presentation here that can, at times, make those issues sting a little less. If you’ve found enjoyment in the past with Fatal Frame and its sequels, then DreadOut may scratch that itch, just don’t expect too much.
Hollowbody is a pretty impressive game, especially one crafted by a solo developer. It reminded me a lot of 2021’s Tormented Souls, a Resident Evil clone that didn't look to reinvent the genre, but to contribute to its roots and provide that type of experience. There is enough here to keep you motivated to see it through, even if most of its environments tend to repeat a lot of the same overall aesthetics. It’s certainly a game of its inspirations and often does the genre right.
Xuan Yuan Sword: The Gate of Firmament is unfortunately a very poor experience, regardless of having the fundamentals of what should be a good game. From horrible presentation to constant mini-map glitches, there is almost nothing to like here. Combat is bland, environments are incredibly lacking, and the voicing acting and direction of this game is atrocious. Xuan Yuan is meant to be a treasured series in China, but nothing here is convincing me of it. Xuan Yuan Sword 7 was a very impressive game, but The Gate of Firmament is simply awful.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a stunning example of a licensed game that absolutely nails the source material. From incredible performances to jaw-dropping visuals, MachineGames clearly built this game with passion and respect for the franchise's legacy. While Troy Baker may have been at the bottom of the list to take over the role, his performance is honestly stunning and does a lot to immerse you into this beloved world. This isn't just the best Indiana Jones game, it's one of the best licensed games ever made.