Darksiders III at its core is a solid action RPG with some great storytelling, post-apocalyptic combat,and great characters. As the third title in a long running franchise its clear that there was a tension line between paying homage to the games that came before while still wanting to explore new concepts and mechanics. For the most partabout it works. Combata offers something fresh and after some growing pains for returning players franchise a rewarding experience. Other than some lackluster progression mechanics and maybe a little too much reliance on players knowledge of the world, Darksiders III offers a great new take on an existing franchise.
Despite its shortcomings, Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus is a great playthrough. Specifically, I think it caters to a group of gamers that, until last year, were really missing out on the mobile platform. It demonstrates the potential of the Nintendo Switch as a serious FPS console while still offering the mobility and freedom that Nintendo strives to obtain. If you haven't picked up Wolfenstein 2 yet and own a Switch I think, despite its issues, you'll really enjoy the playthrough.
For those that have argued that videos games are not art, I would hold Sea of Solitude up as a shining example to the contrary. There is no easy way to summarize my experience with SOS, it was incredible, challenging, insightful and memorable. Instead, I leave you with the words of Henry Miller, an American author of the twentieth century, "One's destination is never a place but rather a new way of looking at things."
Overall the Doom Collection on Switch is a treat to own. It has literally provided several hours of entertainment. Each game offers a smooth, slick gameplay experience and offers players some serious bang for the buck. Despite the sleep mode issue, all three titles are worth picking up if you're a fan of the series and are looking to introduce some Demons to the business end of a double-barrel.
When thrown in with two other great titles (more on those soon) Rock N Roll Racing was an innovative racing title that still plays well today. Priced at a smooth $19.99USD for the whole collection, I don't think you can go wrong picking up this blast from the past.
Remnant II: The Forgotten Kingdom is a solid entry into the Remnant franchise with fresh and unique ways to play thanks to the Invoker archetype and a host of new weapons, time and mods. Priced at USD $9.99, it’s worth picking up if you are a fan of the franchise.
If you’re looking for a unique multiplayer arena brawler ‘Black & White Bushido’ will deliver. It offers a unique enough take on the genre to set itself apart. With its simple controls and minimalist style, it is easy to pick up and enjoy. My only real concern is the lackluster single player (which to be fair really wasn’t their focus) and lack of content for the console release. With a console release date of May 17th and at a 10.00 price tag, You’ll more than likely get your money’s worth if you decide to pick it up.
With all this packaged together, the player is presented with a well-balanced package that gives gamers a taste of what it used to be like to be called a gamer but never pushing so hard as to cause a rage quit, tip over the arcade machine and demand your quarters back.
WarPlanes: WW2 Dogfight offers a fun light-hearted dog fight experience for players. Despite its repetitive mission types and unbalanced visuals, the title still is a fun arcade experience. If your looking for a quick dogfighting flight fix, then it might be worth checking out WarPlanes.
The Wild Eight is a great addition to the survival genre. With some creative storytelling, some underlying mysteries and an incredible progression and crafting system, it's a title that can keep players engaged.
Foregone is a solid offering. Combat, progression, and platforming are all fast, fluid, and engaging. What it lacks in fresh, original concepts and mechanics it makes up for a refined Metroidvania experience. If you are looking for a fun, engaging platformer with a good story and some refined mechanics, Foregone delivers.
DOOM Eternal on Nintendo Switch is a mechanically smooth experience to play. Combat feels tight, controls are decent and it runs smoothly. It's one of the most impressive shooters of this generation and the fact that I can play it on a handheld device is exceptionally impressive. However, all of this comes at the cost of visual fidelity which is both distracting and takes away from the game's overall appeal.
Return to Moria, from Free Range Games, is a fun experience for fans of survival titles and Lord of the Rings. It takes some of the better systems from the genre and marries them to the lore and setting of Moria, the result of which is a world that fans can be excited about.
Need For Speed Payback is a mixed bag. One the one hand it’s a fun arcade racer with great customization, a wide range of cars and race styles and some truly great single player moments. Yet with the other hand holding an underwhelming multiplayer experience, lather, rinse repeat story missions, and some awkward storytelling pacing, NFS never seems to hit top gear in its goal to capture the glory of the old days.
At the end of the day Space Hulk: Deathwing Enhanced Edition feels like a fairly solid addition to the Warhammer 40k Universe. Its setting and visuals offer a great look at the dark gritty universe and the deliberate choices in combat mechanics will make you feel like a Space Marine. However, those same choices will definitely be a turn off to a lot of FPS players and when coupled with some awkward AI it's safe to say this title won't be for everyone.
Despite its flaws, I appreciate Death's Gambit and what it has accomplished. It offers a challenging, story-driven platforming experience that will reward the patient and methodical. Wrapped in a beautiful pixel art veneer and topped with a wonderful soundtrack, Death's Gambit is a treat for those willing to spend the time to master its combat and enemies. Will it appeal to everyone, absolutely no! However, much like games like Dark Souls, I don't really think that's the point.
After a week's worth of time spent in Rainbow Skies I have to say that even as someone who is not typically a tactical, turn-based RPG player, I appreciate how much has gone into Rainbow Skies. It definitely scratches that particular itch with great progression mechanics, an intriguing world and story, and some great tactical combat. However, the game's unbalanced pacing in story delivery coupled with some serious "what do I do now" moments hamper this otherwise fun tactical, turn-based RPG.
Overall Niffelheim hits the mark in regards to setting, story and world building but misses terribly in play mechanics like combat and progression. It's a shame because in many the world begs to be explored and discovered. If you can stomach the grind then I do think there is some charm in this 2D side scroller RPG. However, for the average player, it's going to be tough to see base the deery combat and farming.
They Are Billions is a brilliant game that breaths fresh life into the RTS formula. Its setting, concept, and execution make it a wonderful addition to the genre. However, the console port with poor controls will most likely leave players frustrated and wishing they had picked it up on PC. As much as I loved the title I cannot recommend it for a console. So if you're interested in They are Billions I would strongly recommend taking a look at the PC version of this zombie survival RTS.
So is Riverbond worth your time? If you have kids I would say that they couch coop experience is great. It introduces them to a great genre with a family-friendly filter. If you're looking for the next dungeon crawler for yourself I worry that there just isn't enough here to keep you interested for any length of time.