Velocity 2X could have taken the easy route, sticking with proven mechanics for a predictable sequel. Instead, it makes a big bet, adding on-foot gameplay to already-sharp ship gameplay and the entire game is so much stronger for it.
To call Metroid: Samus Returns a remake feels unfair. Remakes are old games with new coats of paint: an upgrade in resolution here, reworked artwork there. Samus Returns is far more than that. It's a top-to-bottom reimagining, bringing the bones of a game that's over 25 years old into the modern era with fantastic results.
As a package, Infinite Warfare stands out
Nidhogg manages originality in an often tired genre
Overwatch can be great, but needs friends to back it up
Mario + Rabbids manages to walk a narrow road, offering up a legitimately challenging squad tactics experience without alienating the family friendly Mario audience. While it doesn't quite have the full layer of spit and polish of an in-house title, Ubisoft comes damn close to capturing that Nintendo magic.
Celeste reaches beyond, showing that tricky, well-designed platforming challenges are really just the tip of the iceberg. There's far more underneath the surface. And maybe that's worth dying for.
Rise of Iron can be something more than run-of-the-mill, if you can get there
Every aspect of Fusion feels like a less imaginative experience that coasts rather than strives for something better. There's no question that the core Trials gameplay within Trials Fusion remains fun. But the host of missing features and bad design choices make it a significant step backwards after Evolution and for the franchise.
Samurai Gunn could be a great local multiplayer game with a lot more polish
Sailing across the open ocean becomes less of a thrilling embodiment of cooperation and more of a chore.
Homefront: The Revolution is doing little more than checking off boxes
Ground Zeroes feels more like a cash grab than a real follow-up
CounterSpy has two faces. Its presentation, its look and sound, is a victory hard to ignore. But its interactivity is ugly enough to make for an unfortunate pairing when the balance is measured.
A crummy ripoff for Resident Evil fans and newcomers alike
If you’ve been desperate for more Cuphead, this is likely the last new content you’ll see. Thankfully it’s a hell of an encore for Cuphead, Mugman, and now, Ms. Chalice.
The campaign attempts to bring up the "tough" questions about war, but when you're intermingling those questions with outrageous, comic violence, it comes off as disingenuous.
If you're excited about the prospect of playing first-person shooters on Switch, Doom is a good bell-weather. Personal physical limitations and hand size seem to be the biggest variable when it comes to enjoying the genre. But even if hands are perfectly built to slaughter demon hordes, you're still going to have to swallow some iffy visuals.
For some, the grind is worth it so they can explore the infinite. For others, the grind itself is the infinite.
Anthem trips over itself trying to blend two genres into one