Cuphead is a singular experience. Studio MDHR knew what it wanted to make, then went ahead and made it. A tough boss-rush game based on classic animation archetypes? It shouldn’t work, but here we are. It’s fun to play, and possibly even as satisfying to watch, since you can fully absorb what’s going on screen. It would have been easy to dial down the overall difficulty (and I wouldn’t have complained), but that wouldn’t have been Cuphead, either. Stick with it, is all I can say. We don't often get something that will make you laugh and grind your teeth in such close proximity.
This impressive follow-up builds on its predecessor with emotional gut punches and unnerving visuals that stick with you
Destruction AllStars' frantic blend of bumper-car and on-foot action offers plenty of short-term fun, but the thrills are less thrilling after a few hours
Agent 47's journey ends on a high note, at least as far as players are concerned. New levels are memorable and cater to the freedom fans have come to expect
Cleverly designed levels offer moderately tough challenges, but generous checkpoints and a genial atmosphere make it easy to keep coming back
It's a new direction for the series, but Like a Dragon captures the essence of what came before while setting out on its own journey.
Pikmin 3's blend of strategic action and exploration is as captivating as ever, whether this is your maiden voyage or a return flight
Faithful almost to a fault, Hangar 13's remake puts a glossy finish on a title that is fundamentally musty by contemporary standards
Revisiting Deadly Premonition's unique sensibility is fun, but aggressively poor production values and shallow gameplay make it tough to stick around
Don't let the lackluster production values scare you off. Song of Horror has some genuinely shocking moments
The first few hours are a treat, and the late game has a nice element of experimentation. Unfortunately, its flaws balloon during the lengthy middle stretch.
Moving Out is clearly inspired by Overcooked's chaotic co-op, but its inconsistent controls add a layer of aggravation likely to test friendships, marriages, and parent-child relationships
Hunting Grounds sets the table for thrilling cat-and-mouse battles or embarrassing farces; the quality of each match is ultimately up to players. When everyone's dialed into their roles, it's a lot of fun
A new challenge system reinvigorates the familiar core, providing a wonderful incentive to explore all of Animal Crossing's myriad activities. This cheerful life sim is the next best thing to an actual vacation
Keita Takahashi delivers another singular title that's as much an interactive art piece as it is a game
Link's Awakening was home to some of the best classic-era dungeon designs and bosses in the series, and this remake is a reminder of (or introduction to) its legacy
Sayonara Wild Hearts crackles with style, but is an ultimately inconsequential ride
Blair Witch does a good job capturing the sensation of getting lost – something I actively try to avoid. A memorable final act partially redeems the tedium of getting to that point
Dragon Quest Builders 2 is a fantastic sequel that expands on the original in almost every imaginable way
Judgment is a Yakuza game in all but name, offering the same dizzying array of action, side content, and a lengthy (and convoluted) story