Attack of the Fanboy

Dauntless offers up a pleasant alternative experience in the monster hunting action genre that focuses on the battles without sacrificing the core appeal. If you've ever wanted to take down larger-than-life beasties to wear their hides and take down even nastier foes, but felt intimidated by Capcom's more deliberate design, then Dauntless will prove a great, enjoyable way to finally see what all the monster slaying fuss is about. The fact that it's a fair free-to-play game makes it all the easier to experience for yourself.

After cameoing in multiple fighters over the years, Shovel Knight finally has one to call his own with Shovel Knight Showdown. While the combat system is very basic, Shovel Knight fans should still find some fun here with friends and even the first few times through the game’s arcade ladder.

Disco Elysium made me feel joy, regret, and hope. At every turn I felt like it was my story I was telling, and the game guided me along, accepting my failures and success in turn. I was never pigeon-holed, and I was never forced to do anything. I could always walk away, or do something different based on my particular choice of character. I may not have liked every option, but it always felt earned. Every element of Disco Elysium coalesces into a suburb whole, and I desperately wish, like the protagonist, that I could purge my memory of it and re-experience it once more with virgin eyes and clear mind.

Halo: Reach is exactly what fans wanted from a PC release from this iconic franchise. It takes an already great game and makes it better. While some new issues are added due to more precise controls, the tradeoff is…well, more precise controls. Add better and more crisp visuals on top and you’ve got easily the best version of Reach. PC players wait has been worth it, and there’s more to come.

But I always returned, wanting and eager. Always under the prospect of "just one more mission." And then a mission after that, and a mission following that. Always "just one more." It's in this mantra that MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries excels. It's not the prettiest, most polished, or robust of games available, but - damn me - do I want to keep playing it.

Yacht Club Games has delivered once again in the latest expansion for Shovel Knight thanks to exciting gameplay and level design that proves Shovel Knight: King of Cards was well worth the wait.

I actually enjoyed this one more than any since the first game. Darksiders Genesis has the look of a Diablo clone, but this really is just a Darksiders game from a different perspective. Almost every presentation aspect stays true to the roots of the series, and most of the gameplay systems stay true as well. It’s hard to imagine any fan of any of the Darksiders games not enjoying Genesis. It definitely hammers home on the strengths of the franchise and brings the playable characters full circle with the introduction of Strife.

As has been the case with Game Freak for years, Pokemon Sword and Shield feels like two steps forward in some ways and one step back in others. The loss of more than half of the total number of Pokemon is certainly felt, but the introduction of the Wild Area and the reemergence of gyms on a much larger scale help to make Pokemon Sword and Shield another must play Pokemon experience regardless of the more glaring than usual flaws.As has been the case with Game Freak for years, Pokemon Sword and Shield feels like two steps forward in some ways and one step back in others. The loss of more than half of the total number of Pokemon is certainly felt, but the introduction of the Wild Area and the reemergence of gyms on a much larger scale help to make Pokemon Sword and Shield another must play Pokemon experience regardless of the more glaring than usual flaws.

Had Terminator: Resistance released in 2008 it may have been considered one of the better licensed games of its time, but we’ve come a long way in ten years. In 2019, with excellent licensed titles becoming more common, Terminator: Resistance is mediocre at best. Fans may like it, but they deserve better. Maybe they’ll get that game in an alternate future – who knows – but they certainly didn’t today.

The core sniping is still great in Sniper Ghost Warrior: Contracts and the sandbox maps have a lot of potential. Unfortunately that potential ultimately feels wasted on missions and objectives that have you putting the rifle down and trying your luck with the game’s lesser systems.

Civilization VI on consoles is basically the same game that you can play on PC.  While the controls will take a little bit of getting used to, this is one of the best strategy games you can get at the moment and it’s finally available on consoles with very few, if any, sacrifices.

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is one of the very best games of 2019. Its engaging gameplay loops may have been lifted from other titles, but it's during combat where the game really shines with enjoyable lightsaber duels and numerous abilities that keep things fresh. Backed by a narrative that will bring delight to the Star Wars faithful, its wonderful main plot and referential nature makes the title an essential playthrough for anyone in tune with the force.

Red Dead Redemption 2 for PC is a solid port, just not a perfect one. Largely carried by the fantastic quality of the game itself, the port does at least provide prettier visuals, additional content, and a fantastic new Photo Mode. That all said, as solid as the port may be in most regards, it may be best to give Rockstar until the Steam launch in a month to iron out the last of the major issues. At that point, it’ll be easier to see and believe why I feel this is truly the best way to experience the end of the outlaw era for yourself.

Professor Layton has always targeted a very niche market and Layton’s Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaires’ Conspiracy – Deluxe Edition also does just that. The lack of an overarching story and any drastic changes in the gameplay is a disappointment, but there’s just something charming about this series that will hopefully continue to grow from here after finally shedding the handheld only roots of the series moving forward.

Luigi’s Mansion 3 doesn’t get the series where it needs to be, but it certainly moves it closer to that goal. The game oozes charm in every way possible. And speaking of ooze, Gooigi is a great addition for single players and co-op fans alike. Combat is simplified though, and puzzles can become quite frustrating and tedious. The game also likes to rain on your parade a bit too often as well, tossing roadblocks in your way when a bit of celebration or relaxation is more in need. If this sounds passable to you though, you’re in for a truly spooky treat.

Moving above the mediocrity that has often plagued the series in the past, Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 is without question the best entry thus far, even if the mini-game and party structure is not for everybody.

If you can work through its frustrating parts and look past its plot failings, there’s something wonderful here, but many will come away disappointed if their expectations aren’t in check.

Disney Classic Games: Aladdin and The Lion King is a delightful collection for two of the greats of their generation. These platformers were already fantastic and had aged particularly well. Still they were tough to enjoy for many, but this set fixes that in almost every way imaginable. The Interactive Game Viewer in particular will be lauded by fans for years to come. The only flaw is odd cuts here and there, such as versions without the Game Viewer, or the missing SNES version of Aladdin. Even with these omissions though, Disney Classic Games: Aladdin and The Lion King is a great set for returning fans or potential new ones.

Don't buy this port until the performance issues are addressed. I can't recommend it as it currently exists to fans of the game, or those with only a Switch in the house: I can't recommend this port to anyone. Skip Vampyr for the Switch; there are better ways to play a bloodsucker out there.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare reboots the franchise with solid success throughout. The campaign takes a more serious tone and nails it in some truly admirable ways, though it could have used a few extra missions or story beats. It resets the plot for the MW series and offers a lot of potential for the future. The multiplayer doesn’t hold a lot of surprise, but it certainly expands players’ options. If you want straight-up action, hardcore tactics, or massive battles you’ll find it here. It may not be the best version of that type of game, but it’s there to play and all with classic COD gunplay at the core.

Even with plenty of superb 2D platformers releasing in recent years, Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair easily belongs alongside the best the generation has to offer thanks to excellent level design and platforming that is evocative of past classics from the genre.

Ring Fit Adventure is a fun and wholly functional workout experience. Nintendo walks you through every step of the process to make sure you’re doing things correctly to avoid injury or over-exertion. Whether you’re playing adventure mode or just banging through your favorite mini-games or exercises, the Ring-Con delivers a workout that feels like it’s doing its job in getting your heart rate elevated to the point of burning calories and potentially fat.

The Outer Worlds might not be exactly what you think it’s going to be.  It’s a smaller game, one that focuses on replay value and role play fantasy to really get the most out of the experience.  It’s a dense game though, where there’s plenty of lore packed into smaller sandbox style areas.  It’s up to you to poke around in the corners of these areas to get the most out of it.

Plants vs. Zombies Battle for Neighborville is another entirely competent, family-friendly “shooter”, much like the Garden Warfare games. While it doesn’t have a three behind it, it might as well. Things don’t feel like they’ve changed all that much with time. The new sandbox single player offering is certainly welcome, but it’s the multiplayer offerings that are what players will get the most out of. While it might not be every shooter fan’s bag, Battle for Neighborville has certainly got the ability to entertain just about anyone… young or old, experience shooter player or first-timer.

While it may not add anything to make it worth double dipping outside of some previous additional content, Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth: Complete Edition gains the element of portability on the Nintendo Switch that makes the game more accessible than ever to play as you aim to collect the more than 300 available Digimon and save the real and digital worlds.