Evan Norris's Reviews
Mortal Kombat 11 is an outstanding fighting game with new, more deliberate mechanics, a spectacular story mode, and loads of online and offline content.
One of the deepest, most substantial, most polished productions of 2019.
If you adore Contra, you will absolutely love this game.
King of Cards is the triumphant end of an era.
Those that gravitate toward serene sandbox simulation will find in New Horizons a game to play for weeks, months, and even years.
The streets are paved with gold in Streets of Rage 4.
It's a relatively short game with a modest amount of trial and error, but its mechanics, level designs, and quality-of-life features make it a must-play for shoot-em-up fans.
M2 has done justice to Taito's extraordinary shooting series with Darius Cozmic Collection Arcade.
Worry not that Konami shows no interest in authorizing a new Castlevania game, for Inti Creates has picked up the slack.
One of the best games of the year and one of the better indie games of the generation.
A beautiful experience, filled with varied and engaging content, wrapped in gorgeous art and music, and populated with memorable characters and moments that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Sakuna is eye-opening, not only because it shines a light on the nourishing, temperamental, and soulful qualities of rice but also because it demonstrates how a small team of two people can produce greatness by combining two seemingly incompatible genres.
An outstanding action-platformer that's inspired by the classics but not beholden to them.
Ender Lilies is one of the finest games of the year. Part Metroidvania and part Soulslike, it manages to deliver in all phases: story, world-building, mechanics, gameplay, value, art, and music.
It's an enticing turn-based RPG with a fascinating premise, tactical combat, tons of content, challenging gameplay, and an addictive demon fusion framework that alone will occupy hours of your time.
Thanks to its many playable characters, multiple modes, addictive action, fetching graphics, and support for up to six players both online and offline, it's arguably the best brawler in the expansive Turtles canon.
Its mixture of fast-paced rogue-like action and deliberate cult management works wonders, delivering crunchy, high-stakes combat and rewarding, open-ended simulation gameplay.
An outstanding addition to the RE canon and an ideal complementary piece to the remake of Resident Evil 4.
This sequel shines almost as brightly as its predecessor, thanks to diverse mission types, accessible gameplay, a wealth of single-player and multiplayer content, and lovely art and music.
Thanks to its multi-genre approach, engaging diving and business simulation mechanics, wealth of content, and striking 2.5D visuals, it's one of the best indie titles of the year. It's not a perfect game — its crowded, everything-but-the-kitchen-sink philosophy makes sure of that — but it's one that's absolutely worth diving into.