Mashable's Reviews
‘Life is Strange: Double Exposure’ is a direct sequel to the first game that continues Max’s personal growth while providing a solid cast of new characters. However, the pacing feels rushed towards the latter half of the game and gameplay mechanics aren’t as interesting as previous entries.
That Veilguard exists at all is something of a miracle, and that it’s the first good BioWare game in more than a decade feels nearly impossible. It may not be a new standard-bearer for the genre, but merely being pretty good feels like something of a triumph.
From the unsettling atmosphere to the visceral combat and psychological depth, the game excels at drawing you into its twisted world. The storytelling is gripping, with characters like James Sunderland and the cast of disturbing personalities he meets adding layers of complexity that go beyond typical horror fare. The remake respects the source material while modernizing it for today’s audience, and even if you’ve never played the 2001 original, it still stands as a deeply unsettling and rewarding journey.
Its endearing cast of characters populate a fascinating fantasy world with fictional layers that I just want to peel back until I see everything there is to see. Enhanced turn-based combat with real-time elements, combined with wholesome friendship mechanics and great road trip vibes, all work to seal the deal for me.
Everything else about 'Echoes of Wisdom' rules. Its aesthetic and music are endearing, the echo system creates tons of really clever puzzle solutions, and it harkens back to old Zelda games without abandoning what makes the newer ones special. There are a couple of areas in which Echoes of Wisdom is a slight disappointment, but it is a mostly delectable late-in-life treat for Switch owners.
The Plucky Squire is a clear appeal to adults who wistfully recall their days of crayons and cardboard, before the world seemed to get so dark and complicated.References to childhood classics sit alongside cheeky nods to the capitalist mechanisms underpinning children's media, finding joy in the same way Jot's friends continue to despite knowing the true nature of their world.
If you’re a fan of Warhammer 40K or enjoyed the original Space Marine, then Space Marine 2 is absolutely worth your time. The game is a clear evolution of its predecessor, with combat that feels more impactful, smoother, and downright visceral.
You mean to tell me PlayStation could’ve been making games like this the entire time instead of 9,000 photorealistic sad dad simulators? 'Astrobot' is a colorful, whimsical, mechanically tight, and overall delightful 3D platformer that’s also packed full of references to PlayStation history. While 'Astro Bot’s reverence for the PlayStation brand occasionally feels forced, and probably can’t sustain itself beyond this game, it’s such a goddamn thrill for the 10 or so hours it takes to finish that I think it’s a must-play for any PS5 owner.
Concord has solid gameplay mechanics, but fails when it comes to providing characters to care about and doesn’t accomplish its attempts to stand out from other hero shooters.
Madden 25 is a mixed bag. On one hand, the gameplay feels better than ever, with smoother animations, more intuitive passing mechanics, and updated features like "Boom Tech" that add a layer of authenticity to tackles. The pacing feels more thoughtful compared to the flashier College Football 25, and for some players, that’s a welcome change. But while Madden nails the on-field action, it falters elsewhere.
As a pure gameplay experience, CFB 25 is both challenging and rewarding in ways that Madden and 2K aren't. However, it's not the game we've waited 11 years for. Dynasty lacks a lot of depth and quality-of-life changes that were present in NCAA 14, alongside a mind-numbingly inane UI and drumline menu songs.
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is a standout game in 2024 in how its different gameplay styles work surprisingly well with each other... With its gorgeous classic Japanese folklore aesthetic, it’s just as pleasing to look at as it is fun to play.
'Anger Foot' will have you kicking and screaming as you make your way through its grimy levels and colorful enemies. And it’ll always be through pure rage, whether you’re on an unstoppable rampage or dying suddenly to a stray bullet. With plenty of gameplay variety through its many weapons, shoes, and objectives, 'Anger Foot' is only held back by its poor technical performance on PC.
This sequel doubles down on what made the first one so enjoyable, with its incredibly dark atmosphere and concise storytelling. However, like its predecessor, 'Hellblade II's gameplay and combat didn’t improve much.
Nintendo’s new 'Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door' remake is unique in that it has a nearly unlimited capacity to make you smile, but it’ll similarly bum you the hell out. Nintendo has tastefully and respectfully resurrected a beloved Mario RPG, with gorgeous HD visuals, a revamped toe-tapping soundtrack, the same humor and wit that captivated fans 20 years ago, and deceptively simple turn-based combat.
'Endless Ocean: Luminous' earns points for being unlike just about anything else, but its weakness as a solo experience kills the vibe...unless you want to try the cool multiplayer mode.
For just under $30, Another Crab's Treasure is an excellent, if a bit basic, soulslike for anyone looking to get into the genre. From its beautiful environments to its cast of charming, cute characters, the game's story is clever, witty, and a biting reminder that we live in community with each other and not for ourselves.
The open world can be tedious and the story can be predictable at times, but 'Stellar Blade’s strong points shine through. With its real-time action combat, 'Stellar Blade' is a thrill to play, and the gorgeous graphics make it a spectacle to behold.
'Sand Land' probably won't win any awards, but sometimes "alright" is good enough. As an excuse to spend some more time with Akira Toriyama after his untimely passing, it's as good as you'll get right now.
Harold Halibut feels like a warm batch of cookies that grandma made on a nice, Sunday afternoon. There's a labor of love that radiates within that made my 10+ hour playthrough more enjoyable than it should've been. Adventure games have fallen out of popularity, but the highs of Halibut are so high at times, that it's almost forgiven how dull the game can feel in most moments.