Party Hard does have its merits with unlockable characters and extra challenges, but that's if you can deal with its technical problems and heinous difficulty. If that sounds like a party to you, have at it.
Battleborn does have its hiccups with required online connectivity, dialogue and some odd character choices. But the positive far outweighs the negative, with exciting gameplay, fun multiplayer components for both local and online play, and fantastic level design.
Between the puzzles that need to be solved throughout this world (enough to fill up a few hours’ worth of gameplay), enthralling battles and a superb presentation, Severed gives you another good reason to cherish your Vita.
While we're still itching for Shadow Complex 2 to be confirmed, Remastered will swimmingly make proper use of your time. Its action is still addictive and well structured, the visuals look great, and the extra Master Challenges and Achievements will take some time to clean up. More could've easily been added, but this is still Chair at its best – and that's well worth partaking.
There are still some small improvements to be made when it comes to getting on the level of Undisputed, but EA Sports UFC 2 is a significant improvement over the first game, and proof that the team is more than ready to step into the Octagon. Whenever it rolls around, EA Sports UFC 3 will have a hell of a game on its hands. But, for now, part two is well worth trying, especially if you're a fan of the sport.
If you love "shmup" shooters, or the "bullet hell" variety of game, then Deathsmiles should be right up your alley. What it lacks in stages and offering of modes, it makes up for with intense, wildly satisfying shooting action. Plus, the visuals look great and the soundtrack is one-of-a-kind. If you're a fan of the genre, dig in. And if you're new, this is a great place to start. I mean, where else will you find a damn demonic cow?!
I'm still not entirely sold on the way Hitman is being sold, in an episodic package that will open up over the next few months. Regardless, the game is off to a great start thus far, despite minor glitches and drab conversations. Agent 47 continues to be a master of his killing skills, and the first stage of the game, along with the escalation mode and Contracts, really give you a better idea of what's ahead. This is one assassination you'll want to see through to the end.
While the new Hitman should get greater attention (deservedly so), GO! isn't a bad option for people looking for something more on the strategic side. What it lacks in bloodshed and insightful killing, it makes up for with strong level design and creative challenges to overcome. It's certainly something you could, ahem, kill time with.
While I still kind of prefer Evolution in terms of its broader scope and better loyalty to Tron's world, Run/r is a game that works far better on its runner principle on console than I would've expected. Even with certain limitations (and an unnecessarily high price tag), it's a good time, especially if you're a fan of the franchise. Feel free to boot it up if you can handle the high entry fee.
It's great to see developers continue to pour their best effort into twin-stick shooters, even if the concept seems dated compared to other genres. Android Assault Cactus is a quality entry in the genre, filled with personality, excitement and creativity. The amount of characters available is impressive; the co-op factor is insane but fun; and the gameplay doesn't stop when it comes to challenging your high-scoring skills. This is one Cactus that certainly won't sting once you grab hold.
Sure, Mega Man Legacy Collection could've added more games, or had an option to expand the screen to full size (and what's with the full price tag?). That said, it's still a rich package filled with gaming history, between the six original games, the museum, the music player and the NES Remix mode. If you're even slightly devoted to the Blue Bomber, you owe it to yourself to pick this up. [OpenCritic note: Robert Workman separately reviewed the XB1 (8.5) and 3DS (8.25) versions. Their scores have been averaged.]
There's enough online action and learnable stuff here to make Street Fighter V a decent purchase, but you can't sit there and tell me that Capcom couldn't have delayed this until everything was ready in June and benefitted for the greater because of it. There's just no way.
One of the worst games to come down the PC pike in some time, Bombshell isn't a return to form for 3D Realms, but a reminder why the publisher was in so much trouble to begin with. A great idea is wasted off of horrible game design, bad graphic errors and a worthless audio experience. Where's Duke Nukem to kick ass when you need him?
Rocket League fared as one of last year's biggest surprises, a game that grew from the somewhat undiscovered Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle Cars into an eSports phenomenon. It continues the status quo with its Xbox One build, with a polished presentation that doesn't let up, smooth gameplay, and a ton of options for both online and offline play. If you haven't discovered this gem yet, you won't find a better time.
It's literally everything you could want in a party game – and for the first time in quite a while, you can bring the kids, too.
Hey, sometimes you need to take it back to the old-school and remember what survival is all about – and that's just what Primal does.
I may never figure out what's going on inside the head of Jonathan Blow – or what the deal really was with that "piss jug" picture he posted on Twitter – but there's no denying his savvy when it comes to game development.
While Assassin's Creed Chronicles Russia isn't quite up there with the best adventures in the series, it's still the best release in the trilogy, thanks to its moody settings, its acceptable range of gameplay and its fun storytelling. You'll definitely have more fun with this one than you would the previous two games. Might as well finish up in style, right?
Firewatch certainly isn't a game for everyone, with its non-violent tone, its heavy emotional toll and its somewhat choppy visuals from time to time. That said, it presents a fresh breath of content to the genre that some players won't want to miss, especially when it comes to its characterization and exciting scenarios. This is one game that definitely delivers the slow burn – in a good way.
Unravel succeeds by coupling together a thoughtful, moving story with challenging platforming scenarios and a gorgeous presentation that brings out the best from EA's "indie" side. It may leave you stuck in a few places, but this is one of those games that certainly won't, ahem, string you along.