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State of Decay 2 comes together as a game that feels designed for players who like to make checklists and chip away at long-term tasks. That notion might sound contradictory to existence in a zombie apocalypse, where death comes fast and often, but engaging with the game from this perspective makes its rough edges seem more like minor smudges. State of Decay 2's unique approach to survival and management might not appeal to everyone, but it certainly feels like an instant cult classic.
If you're a fan of noir thrillers, puzzle games or just creatively presented ideas, you're bound to find something you'll enjoy here. It also won't require a massive time investment, which is always a plus.
Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition is pushing it, given that there's already been a portable "definitive" release with previous DLC and then some, but if you skipped out on the 3DS release entirely (because it ran poorly on non-"New" models) or haven't played Hyrule in any form yet, it's going to be a much more enticing prospect.
It is a shame the game doesn't end on a better note, but I definitely had a good time with Fox n Forests. It may not be the second coming of retro platformers, but it certainly feels like a lost gem.
Laser League is a deceptively simple competitive game. The controls are incredibly straightforward, but that is offset by the sheer amount of things needed to account for at any point in the match. Laser walls and players are constantly moving around the map in various patterns and at variable speeds. There may be a limited appeal if you never plan to play online, as the progression system is tied to online play, but this is a game not to be missed by fans of competitive games. And maybe Roll7 can throw in a colorblind option in the near future? Pretty please?
With the various quality of life improvements, Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux is simply a more playable version of an already great game. I really enjoyed it the first time around nine years ago, and replaying it today reminds of why it was the ideal game to introduce me to the Shin Megami Tensei franchise.
Omensight is a fun fantasy romp starring fuzzy animal things. It's endearing in a way that, considering its flaws, it has no right to be. With a little more polish, this could have been a great game. As things stand now, it's still a pretty damn good one. The story kept me invested, and I found myself smiling more often than not. If you can see past the rough spots, you're in for a treat.
Little Witch Academia: Chamber of Time is a disappointment.
There is a lot of potential here for a great idea and certain moments are truly awesome, but the whole experience just doesn't hold up and ends on a low point. If you have a stronger stomach for finicky controls, though, Inked might just be the game for you.
Jank and sometimes dumb mutant cannibals aside, what Endnight Games accomplished with The Forest with only a team of four people is simply extraordinary. It's one of the best survival games I've played in recent memory. Whether I was creeping my way through the woods alone at night or playing with friends during the day and showing the local residents who the true masters of their domain are, I haven't played anything like this that's been so fun and terrifying all-in-one in a long, long time.
In the case of Labo, Nintendo has made something that uses a gaming console in ways you'd never have expected. It turns your Switch into a toy. Do I wish that toy had a bit more depth to it? Sure, but the simple act of creating those toys is quite enough to make Labo something special.
So that's my recommendation. Play and enjoy the Monster Hunt mode, but stick to the Arena and Tavern Brawls when playing against others if you don't want to open your wallet. I still enjoy playing this game, but the busted meta means I'm enjoying playing against other people less and less.
Dragon's Crown remains not for everyone. Some might consider it repetitive, vulgar and may even be left wondering what all the fuss was about. But, for those of you who ever fell in love with arcade brawlers, fantasy storytelling, and tabletop RPGs, then Dragon's Crown Pro will shine oh-so-brightly as the unique and sublime treasure it is. Your legend awaits, hero. Seize the day.
Aside from the incorporated change that made previously limp exotics actually fun to use, it's clear that Bungie has a lot of work ahead of them.
Middle-earth: Shadow of War - Desolation of Mordor brings a worthy character into the spotlight with a slightly different feel, to aplomb. Instead of controlling a superhero you're a stronger-than-average man, which somewhat grounds the gameplay while still allowing for plenty of wonderful toys. The whole "roguelike" angle was a bit oversold, but depending on your perspective, that could be a plus.
Even if games so relaxed aren't your normal forte, I would recommend checking out Solo. Everyone has rough patches in their lives and it can be cathartic to explore our thoughts in a more interactive manner. Not every aspect of the game is perfect, but that beautifully mirrors how complex love can be.
I love the look of City of Brass and its combat system, but after only about three hours I felt like I'd seen all it had to offer. It's a great way to kill an afternoon, I just wish it would give me a reason to keep coming back.
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is a platformer that needs to be experienced by as many people as possible.
Frostpunk is such a bizarre game. Playing through it mechanically and logistically leads to a relatively standard resource manager. However, by investing yourself in the town and the people within it, you allow in the crushing weight of the decisions you'll have to make and the emotional consequences that follow. They may not be affecting real people, but treating it as such is what this game is all about. It's an emotional roller coaster that will likely leave you more defeated after "winning" than when you first started, and that is incredible.
Agatha Knife isn't a perfect game, and definitely won't appeal to all. But if you can stomach some of the monotony and awkwardness of gameplay, you'll be rewarded with a charming and quirky little title that's got a lot of heart. Just don't let it get cut out of you.