With an absolutely staggering amount of content, Mass Effect: Legendary Edition is the best way to relive one of the best RPG trilogies from the last decade and a half. Bioware has done its due diligence in fixing what didn't work and improving what did. The end result is a sleek remaster that retains the soul of the beloved franchise.
Protocol is a tortuous experience that combines clumsy, awful gameplay with an abysmal script. I would much rather fail the protocol, and be nuked, then have to play through this again.
New Pokémon Snap may not reinvent the wheel, but it's just as charming as its predecessor was. It's a calming, lovingly crafted spin-off that will challenge your photography skills.
Cozy Grove accomplishes what it sets out to do. That is, to provide a charming respite from the troubles of the world. The addicting loop of the island will keep me coming back, even if I don't necessarily love all aspects of the title.
Still marching to the beat of its own drum, SaGa Frontier Remastered is an example of a remaster done right. The oddity and creativity of the original has been excellently preserved, while the new additions and improved visuals round out the package.
Kaze and the Wild Masks is a competently made, and mostly enjoyable addition to the platformer pantheon. However, its over-reliance on gimmicks from the past only calls to mind stronger efforts.
Maquette toys with interesting ideas and its unique core gameplay mechanic is enough to make it stand out. However, the poorly developed plot and weak conclusion make the game feel like a rough draft of something much stronger.
Similar to the publisher's previous compilations, Capcom Arcade Stadium is a feature-rich collection of above-average arcade classics. The lack of true online play stings, but there are still a wealth of options for vets and newcomers alike to sink their teeth into.
There are some clever ideas to be found within the world of Gods Will Fall, but they can't make up for the fact that it often feels like a tedious slog.
Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Earthblood is a forgettable and disappointing adventure. The World of Darkness is rife with potential, but Cyanide squanders it with this dated action adventure title.
Olija is a unique platforming experience that will captivate from start to finish. Faraday's journey takes you to an intriguing world that has as many mysteries as it does scenic vistas. It may get tedious in parts, but the limited run-time of the title helps it stay mostly on track.
Best enjoyed with a group of friends, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game deserved to be saved from digital purgatory. However, not even the thumping soundtrack and pleasant visuals can save it from being a rough go for solo gamers.
There's some small-town charm to be found in Twin Mirror, but an undercooked mystery and lack of interesting characters make the trip to Basswood a rather boring one.
When The Past Was Around may be brief, but its splendid artwork, beautiful music and memorable story will stick with you long after you wrap it up.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is a satisfying musou hack and slasher, but that style of gameplay can only stay fresh for so long. The carry-over from Breath of the Wild, specifically the strong art design and rich lore, should keep the hardcore crowd invested until the end, though.
Tetris Effect: Connected is the best version of one of the top releases of 2018. The multiplayer additions are all excellently designed, with Connected Mode being one of the best co-operative experiences out there.
The blistering fast-paced action of Ghostrunner will almost certainly appeal to gamers looking for a fresh take on the first person platformer. However, the brutal difficulty can make sticking with it after dozens of deaths a tough pill to swallow.
Pikmin 3 Deluxe is another excellent entry in Nintendo's charming and under-appreciated franchise. The main campaign is enjoyable enough on its own, but the numerous additions and improvements are just icing on the cake.
Amnesia: Rebirth is a solid enough adventure for fans of the genre. That being said, although it's better than its predecessors in different ways, the fact that it can't quite match the narrative highs of SOMA or the scares of The Dark Descent makes it a bit of a forgettable journey.
Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time is just as well crafted as the original beloved trilogy. It'll challenge even the most seasoned of gamers, but thanks to precise platforming and top-notch visual design, the pain is always worth it.