Between a well-written story, one that ends on a shocking revelation, to interesting characters and everything else, especially the combat, Devil May Cry 5 is the total package and a must for hack-and-slash fans.
Two decades following its original release, playing Final Fantasy VIII again in its remastered visuals and gameplay enhancements bring all the nostalgia and made me remember once again why it's considered as one of the best Final Fantasy titles to date. Sure, it is dated, especially with the battle system and gameplay, but what holds up until now is the story and the characters that made this game a classic masterpiece.
Despite its age, Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch remains a charming adventure. Since it's a straight port, there is nothing for returning fans besides the ability to play on the go. Even if you opt for the PS4 version, the only difference is performance and visual fidelity. Of course, newcomers should not sleep on this title and see why so many people enjoyed the original.
It's easy to see The Outer Worlds was inspired by Fallout, though it's so much more than that. Where it might not be as vast as Fallout: New Vegas, clever writing and a choice-based narrative more than makeup for it. Combat feels similar, which can be viewed as a downside, though it is certainly not a deal-breaker. Flaws aside, The Outer Worlds is a fun RPG that offers a fair amount of replayability. Between comical and fun narratives and plenty of RPG elements, it feels like the spiritual successor of Fallout: New Vegas and that is certainly alright.
Luigi's Mansion 3 is yet another game that makes the Switch worth owning. Returning fans will have a wide variety of elements, both new and old, that deliver a spooky flare. This does not come at the cost of enjoyment, as it's just as charming and fun as ever before. For the third time in the row, Luigi has proven that he can be the star in his own game and more than just Mario's brother.
There is no denying Animal Crossing: New Horizons won't appeal to everyone. However, given how so many things have changed, it's nice to have a routine and other mundane tasks that give your life a sense of normalcy. Not only is it relaxing in general, it's the kind of escape that is perfect in a time when things are everything but. It might not be the best in terms of pacing, but anyone willing to invest in this adventure and give the simple charms a genuine try will likely be surprised by just how fun it can be.
Despite some shortcomings, this is still a fantastic JRPG that remembers what made players fall in love with the genre. You have a wondrous story that is topped with engaging gameplay that is more than enough to keep most people engaged. Toss in a wide variety of mechanics not even mentioned, exploration and so many details and it's easy to understand why so many people love this franchise. And while newcomers are better off playing through the other titles, the recap is robust enough to either remind you what happened or explain so many were excited about the conclusion.
For those who have a PC, the Xbox version that you purchase digitally will give you access to the Windows 10 version of it as well. It also has the Play Anywhere feature meaning you can continue your progress whether you are playing on an Xbox console or PC. Sadly, I've experienced several crashes when playing on PC but it certainly looks the best on PC running at max settings on an RTX 3080.
Despite Ys IX: Monstrum Nox having some faults, it still provides a fantastic experience. Once you get past the dated graphics and simple combat, it's an engaging game that has a fascinating story. It's the type of thing where mindlessly killing enemies is fun but the world is so interesting you'll want to see what secrets it holds. Add in some cute characters, interesting mechanics, and plenty to do and it's hard not to see the value in Ys IX: Monstrum Nox.
It goes without saying, Disco Elysium – The Final Cut is going to be a divisive experience. Some people are going to love all the dialogue, options, and role-playing elements. Even returning fans will flip at the voiceovers that really make the experience immersive. This just won't appeal to everyone. Some players will want to do more or possibly get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of dialogue, which totals over 1 million words, though for those this appeals to, it will really appeal to.
I wouldn’t say Diablo IV reinvents the wheel, but I wouldn’t say it needs to. The core experience is quite fun that is just a pleasurable experience. Add in the endless amounts of content, the ability to play as multiple different classes, and upcoming changes, and it should be a safe choice for anyone looking for their looter fix. Especially if they love everything, Diablo has to offer. So if you’re on the fence, there is no better time to join than now.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth surpasses expectations with its seamless integration of compelling narrative, diverse gameplay mechanics, and innovative features such as tag team attacks, or Sujimon Battles. The meticulously crafted landscapes of Yokohama, and Hawaii, complemented by the return of beloved characters elevate the narrative, captivating both series veterans and newcomers alike. Positioned as a must-play, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth offers an unforgettable journey through vibrant worlds that firmly establishes it as an early standout among the best games of 2024.
This is a great example of a remake done right. Not only were there plenty of reasons to revisit this classic, the improvements were quite welcome. It's unfortunate it still occasionally shows its age, plus the lack of FES, but the overall experience really shows why later titles had so much momentum. So if you loved the original, or just want to see what the hype is about, I think you'll more than love Persona 3 Reload.
Stop reading and come experience the Dreamscape.
Games like CrossCode are fun, not because they're super challenging or add engaging elements, as much as they're simple and effective. Fights hinge on whether or not I can dodge an attack and unleash my own. Progression comes down to how many enemies I've defeated and the resources collected. It doesn't matter how simple this stuff is, because CrossCode is just a lot of fun and will be engaging throughout. So, if you're looking for something to get you through the summer, I strongly suggest giving this game a chance.
Seemingly simple gameplay and delightful art aside, Cuphead manages to balance challenge and difficulty fairly well.
In a lot of ways, Watch Dogs: Legion gets the open-world game just right. There are seemingly endless things to do, outfits to try on and people to help. Some modern features give players the opportunity to remove annoying aspects like driving, making it a bit more accessible. Toss in a wide variety of tactics and there is something for everyone. Outside of some cumbersome mechanics, confusing prompts, and needless options, there is little to dislike here. So, if you want an open-world game to hold you over until the next major release, I strongly suggest looking into Watch Dogs: Legion.
I had a lot of fun playing Curse of the Dead Gods and it's fairly addicting once you get the mechanics down. For better or worse, it is rather mechanic heavy that may or may not be positive. Often times it can be a bit convoluted and ultimately a less aggressive playstyle will make up for a passive one with the torch or being overly greedy. Given it's a great game to pick up and play and it doesn't take particularly long to get the hang of it, I strongly suggest giving it a go if you're looking for something to scratch that roguelike itch.
The main appeal of Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is going to be for newcomers and Switch owners looking to play on the go. In addition to Zodiac Age being the definitive experience, one that includes several additions that improve the overall experience, it even results in a more satisfying experience. Unfortunately, despite some steps forward, it doesn't stop this remaster from having muddy visuals when on the go. That being said, it really is a must have for JRPG fans and worth the cost.
I could honestly spend a while explaining all the mechanics in Fire Emblem: Three Houses and probably not touch on everything. What is important is to understand what you're getting into. It's not a simple game or one that is overly combat driven like Disgaea. You can easily go hours without seeing a battlefield and then agonize about arguably tedious mechanics. This isn't to say it's a bad game, I'd say anything but, it's just important to understand it isn't meant for everyone and that is alright.