Bayonetta 2 remains a niche title that will annoy some and be loved by others. Some of its mechanics have been left untouched from the original game, and, most importantly, it's pretty much the same deal all over again... and yet, this remains one of the finest specimens of hack 'n' slash-y, brawling fun...now on its perfect home: Nintendo Switch.
Anyone who has truly experienced the Great Wide Open will surely appreciate this gem of a survival-themed video game that independent developer The Molasses Flood has created; a gem that provides a world that is as immersive and beautiful as it is dangerous, and that gives new meaning to the term 'Survival of the Fittest.' It should be noted, however, that, as fun as sailing, scavenging, hunting (or running), and crafting is, The Flame in the Flood should be enjoyed as a whole because, while as a game it is flawed, as an experience, it is simply magnificent.
Want to experience the original bundle of cartoony wackiness known as Day of the Tentacle, as well as its upgraded, Remastered version? Well, look no further, because this is it. The best iteration of the classic gem of the genre, and a lesson in remasters. As for the question of who should get this, the rule is simple: adventure game haters, the exit door is on the right. The rest, please form a nice line over there and ready those wallets for some purchasing.
Hollow Knight is anything but hollow. Cut from the same cloth as Metroid (and a little bit of Dark Souls), its beautifully gloomy, as well as cute, hand-painted underground world, offers one of the best time sinks ever made; and one where skill is definitely in the spotlight. Its plot could be a bit more accessible, and the lack of hand-holding can sometimes be annoying, but these "flaws" can't really crack the surface of this diamond.
Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire is a lesson in sequel creation. Instead of making some slight alterations, or simply changing the setting, this smooths all the rough edges of the first game, while keeping the plot, writing, and role-playing aspect in top form. While not without flaws, and although the seafaring business is not equally awesome as the rest of the experience, this is, without a single doubt one of the best Dungeons & Dragons-inspired RPGs of the year. Kudos in spades Obsidian Entertainment!
SNK 40th Anniversary Collection is not full of flawless gems that everyone will love, and it suffers a bit in terms of variety. Strictly viewed for what it is, however, which is part retro videogame anthology, part history lesson, it is one of the finest one in the market, making this the definite product for those who want to try the titles on offer.
True to its name, Whispers of a Machine does exactly that: it whispers. Rather than "shouting," with flashy audio-visuals, cool action, and in-your-face storytelling, it uses the humble, grey-haired Adventure Game Studio, to offer something that's far more subtle in its approach. Clifftop Games creation is a simple, yet stunningly well-written, immersive, and all around fun point-and-click adventure game, with a gripping sci-fi plot, and an unwavering focus in its flawless, detective-style gameplay loop. Currently just a hidden gem, this must-have needs you, fellow adventure fan, to spread the word…
Never mind the extras, Nintendo-only goodies, or even the, somewhat lame, and Switch-only, optional touch controls. The only important thing is that this great hack 'n' slasher called Bayonetta can now be experienced everywhere, and with next to no sacrifices in terms of visual quality. Bayonetta 2 remains a niche title that will annoy some and be loved by others. Some of its mechanics have been left untouched from the original game, and, most importantly, it's pretty much the same deal all over again... and yet, this remains one of the finest specimens of hack 'n' slash-y, brawling fun...now on its perfect home: Nintendo Switch.
Those who don't mind its simplicity, though, will certainly enjoy what is probably the best independently developed endless runner for the PC so far.
First, Alien: Isolation is a good, yet flawed, stealth game; second, Alien: Isolation is a very good, yet flawed, survival horror game; and, third, Alien: Isolation is an almost flawless tribute to the original Alien film. Rest assured, the third reason makes putting aside the few issues at hand quite easy, in order to enjoy what is one of the most thrilling sci-fi rides ever.
Be it the high level of entertainment, great replay value, varied, yet equally fun gameplay styles, flawless controls, vibrant graphics, lively audio, or immense attention to detail, Pix the Cat is simply one of the best Arcade experiences of this year. The only reason why this isn't a pure 10/10 - or even a 9/10 - is its lack of additional maps for the main mode, and the fact that it's not a title that will hook players for hours upon hours. It's more like a snack between full meals… a very tasty snack, that is.
While it looks like one, Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes is not a demo. It could - and should - be cheaper, but that can't erase the fact that this is a product of a very high-quality and depth.
The road to the final scene is filled with hundreds of crossroads where there usually isn't a right or wrong choice, with morality usually being in the eye of the beholder. The lack of modern visuals and extremely minimal sound might discourage people from trying it out, but those perceptive enough to do so will discover a game with a great replay value, especially when compared to its low price.
Never mind the extras, Nintendo-only goodies, or even the, somewhat lame, and Switch-only, optional touch controls. The only important thing is that this great hack 'n' slasher called Bayonetta can now be experienced everywhere, and with next to no sacrifices in terms of visual quality, making this the best console port of this title so far.
Complex but certainly not mind-boggling, and challenging yet never irritating or unbalanced, Endless Legend manages to seamlessly blend stunning visuals, an original fantasy universe and the joy of a 4X title's gameplay that will deprive people of their precious sleep with that good ol' "Just one more turn" feeling. Those expecting to start it today and master it tomorrow will be disappointed, though, since it will require a bit of time to be learned - something that certainly isn't exactly most gamers' cup of tea. The rest, however, are in for a tasty treat.
Grab that nuclear-fuelled Power Armor, then, step into the acid rain, and get ready to enter a world that might not be perfect, but is certainly hard to avoid coming back to again, and again, and again.
It's hard going back to the real world after a few hours with Doom. It will feel slow and mundane when compared to the experience of being an over the top, badass action hero, who destroys Hell one demon at a time; half the time with his cool arsenal of weapons, the other half with his hands! Sure, it won't create a revolution like the 1993 original, and some of its aspects (like the multiplayer) are flawed, but id Software's newest creation deserves carrying its heavy name, and is one of the few triple-A titles worthy of a full price-tag.
For the time being, Hitman: Episode 2 - Sapienza is probably one of the best experiences the Hitman franchise has yet to offer. The beautiful Italian seaside town is gargantuan, and offers plenty of ways to have fun (in other words: assassinate). Some of the flaws, like the insufficient plot bits and connection issues, persist, and yet it feels as if Hitman is generally on the right path.
Don't let the change in perspective or the different aesthetics fool you; this is definitely a Resident Evil game, and, even more importantly, one that returns to the core of its roots in the best way possible. Perfect? No. Will players miss the more comic book-like vibe of the original? Sure. However, while Resident Evil 7: Biohazard isn't everyone's cup of stagnant swamp water, it's a cup that everyone should get a taste of, at least once.
Cubed3 gives its old-school 'conglaturation' to Haydee Interactive. Not only because its first creation wasn't afraid to handle its sexiness at full force, but, mainly, because this is actually a great game. Those prejudiced against Haydee's tit… ular lead will lose the opportunity to experience a surprisingly fun indie action-adventure, with fantastic, yet simple, audio-visuals, an almost survival horror-like atmosphere, and a strong, unconventional (for modern gaming standards) attitude towards gameplay mechanics and challenge.