MLB The Show 24 is the ace of the sports sim industry. Building upon last year's impeccable Storylines mode and adding small improvements to existing game modes, San Diego Studio have built a complete experience that makes it hard to find anything negative to say.
While the Iron's Hot provides an authentic crafting experience for players looking to not engage with enemy combatants, survival aspects, or other variables that come with so many crafting games. With the game's story, characters, and gameplay repetitive and forgetful to the end, the visuals and soundtrack ignite a spark that regrettably ends up burned out.
Touhou: New World offers a light-hearted RPG adventure set in a colorful location. Fluid combat backed by a stellar soundtrack makes this a great weekend binge.
Barring its quest system and dull dungeons, Fae Farms is a solid farming sim that offers a ton of things to do in a fun and magical realm.
Moving Out 2 innovates on the foundation of puns, puzzles, and platforming its predecessor built before it and provides a break from the mainstream releases of 2023.
Blasphemous 2 continues the achievements set by its predecessor while adding three new ways to fight. Not straying outside the lines, Blaspehmous 2 is simply more Blasphemous at the end of the day.
Exoprimal's dreadful narrative and foundational mishaps drain the life out of the fun to be had, leading to one of Capcom's roughest outings in recent years.
After Us presents a strong message about planet conservation and wildlife preservation. However, weak gameplay and hollow-level design make the game a running simulator rather than an engaging platformer.
Ravenlok possesses the blueprint for a fantastic series inspired by novels and fairy tales. If Cococucumber expands on the narrative experience and strengthens the combat system in their next outing, wonderful adventures await.
GrimGrimoire OnceMore serves as a solid remaster with a fantastic visual upgrade and new gameplay additions. Some control issues and repetitive gameplay hold it back but overall is a good strategy sim with an alluring setting.
MLB The Show 23 moves the franchise forward in several ways. The Negro Leagues storyline shines bright as the best addition we've seen in the series. While San Diego Studios didn't pitch a perfect game, they delivered a game worthy of being called The Show.
Destiny 2: Lightfall does a lot to advance the Destiny 2 experience, adding a stellar new subclass and destination alongside a much needed difficulty increase. Conversely, it features a story so bland, derivative, and dissatisfying that I am honestly worried Bungie may never be able to right the narrative course.
Souls of Chronos is a mediocre experience that will get lost in the shuffle of the plethora of fantastic RPGS we have available today. The potential for a fantastic visual adventure with an endearing duo is replaced by a mystery that's hard to become emotionally invested in. Hopefully, a sequel can take the good bits at the game's core and expand them into a fully fleshed out experience.
One Piece Odyssey excels in every aspect of an RPG, while also being true to its source. The combat is fun and accessible which serves as the foundation of the game. I’d recommend it to anyone who has never played a turn-based RPG and is interested in exploring one. The islands you explore each feel unique while not overwhelming in size. The story represents what makes One Piece special and memorable. To answer the question asked earlier, One Piece Odyssey is both a good RPG and an exemplary One Piece game.
Blacktail’s art and captivating storytelling take the narrative genre in a new direction. Backed by a combination of solid gameplay and in-depth moral system, the game excels in almost every aspect.
The Knight Witch is an endearing tale that perfectly blends fast paced shooting and satisfying spell casting. From the sensational artwork and score to clever game design, the entire experience was remarkable.
For a studio that hasn't previously made any Lego titles, I feel they checked pretty much every box on what makes a Lego game a Lego game. This isn't for everyone but isn't made to be for everyone. If you are someone who seeks building in a game, I highly recommend Lego Bricktales. People often say that they don't enjoy Minecraft because there aren't guidelines or a direction to the building. I believe Lego Bricktales is the perfect solution and encourage people to give it a shot.
Asterigos: Curse of the Stars is a game composed of two different genres and not fully committing to either. Doing so makes it not reach the potential I think the game could have had by sticking to simply one. Still, with fun combat and an explorative world, it is a solid experience. One that many gamers will be satisfied with but forget after the holiday season.