Attack of the Fanboy

If you like the building, crafting, and collecting aspects of something like Minecraft, but wanted a little more structure, Dragon Quest Builders 2 is an easy recommendation whether you’re a Dragon Quest fan or not.

While Kay’s emotional journey of self-discovery does not pull punches as she learns why she has become a lonely monster, Sea of Solitude struggles to stay afloat at times due to unimaginative gameplay that struggles to evolve beyond the opening moments of the game.

Super Mario Maker 2 offers an incredible depth of tools to create anything you can dream up from some of the most iconic Super Mario Bros. games.  Whether you’re a creator or a player, a beginner or shell-jumping pro, there’s something for you.

Where the base game faltered due to content and plot constraints, Attack on Titan 2: Final Battle is the full-blown sequel we’ve all been waiting for. Of course that is only if you didn’t already pick up that base release and found it lacking. As DLC this is a great addition, but at a fairly hefty price tag. Once that comes down, everyone should pick it up, but until then it feels like the best way to join in on the fun if you missed it the first time around.

Super Neptunia RPG is what untapped potential looks like. It has the capacity to be the best Neptunia spin-off to date, but is marred by so many gameplay-related issues and bugs that they often overshadow everything that the game does successfully.  Like a lustrous Share Crystal, it’s beauty will shine through if all the dirt and grime is wiped off first. The only question is whether the polish Compile Heart and Artisan Studios applies will be enough.

Heavy Rain was quite the unique release in 2010 and is still worth a look for genre fans. This PC re-release improves a lot of things about that original experience, but doesn’t go as far as it could in some respects. What damages things the most though is the fact that the game isn’t quite as original anymore, making its previous flaws all the more glaring. This release doesn’t do much to gloss over them either. And with the omission of some DLC it makes for the feeling that this is a solid way to play, but not a must for those who’ve experienced it all before.

Despite some shortcomings, Samurai Shodown doesn't disappoint. Its slow pace belies a depth that rivals any fighting game, while still providing an experience unlike almost any other. If the stunning visuals don’t leave you breathless, then the unrelenting tension felt during combat certainly will.

Coming straight from the kart racer renaissance era, Crash Team Racing was just asking for a remake and Activision and Beenox teamed up to make it happen with Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled. Not just a 1 to 1 remake like Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled comes with the content you love from the original as well as additional tracks from a later entry in the series as well, proving that everybody’s favorite Bandicoot still has plenty of gas in the tank.

My Friend Pedro is a hyper-violent ballet that you control.  DeadToast Entertainment takes players on an incredibly fun ride with the game’s enjoyable combat system.  All good things come to an end though, and this one just ends a little too soon.

Octopath Traveler may not be the perfect JRPG revival that many had hoped for, but this PC port takes what worked before and makes it just a touch better. A disappointing overall story drags things down, but the basic combat and gameplay work well enough. The characters are intriguing enough as well, but the real star is the fascinatingly original visuals. Here is where the PC port shines brightest, offering players a chance to finetune the experience and bring it to even loftier places than the original Switch release.

Crypt of the Necrodancer seems like a perfect fit for the Nintendo Switch.  However, Cadence of Hyrule isn’t that.  It feels more like a traditional 2D Zelda adventure than it does a roguelike and has a myriad of options to get the type of experience you want out of it.  Cadence of Hyrule is a Zelda game that any fan of the franchise will appreciate.

Though not on the same level as Der;Q, this game, too, will grip you with its theme, atmosphere and narrative. But unlike its predecessor, the focus on those areas doesn’t leave the gameplay hanging by the wayside.

In addition to the touching story of two brothers trying to save their father that has been present in all previous releases, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons for Nintendo Switch finally gains the co-op gameplay option the game always felt like it was lacking. If you have missed out on Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons in the past, there is absolutely no reason not to check out the latest release on Nintendo Switch in its definitive form.

Trover Saves the Universe is a great addition to the PSVR lineup, offering some solid gameplay with a comedy flavoring that brings it to the next level. VR enthusiasts will find a lot to like here, though they might want to test their tastes to be sure they line up with Justin Roiland’s particular style. While the game offers non-VR players a chance to enjoy the fun, it’s tough to recommend that version due to janky and unconventional controls. If you have a VR headset though, this is definitely worth checking out.

SIE London Studio delivers yet again with another must play PSVR exclusive in Blood & Truth, which combines a compelling story with very enjoyable gameplay in one of the best AAA VR experiences to date.

In the end, it really says a lot that the most I can genuinely fault the game for is that its narrative is somewhat antithetical to its intent. Lulua wants to be a solid entry point for newcomers, and though it is mostly successful, it’s those same newcomers who are often left out in the cold due to all the nostalgia and Atelier-branded fanservice featured throughout.

Everybody’s Golf VR is yet another great PSVR experience to show off how cool VR technology can be, but the lack of game modes compared to its predecessors can quickly burn you out on what could have been one of the showpiece titles for PSVR.

While Team Sonic Racing maintains the core kart racing gameplay you know and love intertwined with fun new team-based mechanics, a laundry list of the best race types are left entirely out of local play with friends, instead being only available in Team Adventure and online modes, which partially runs what is still a good game off the track before the finish line.

As a shooter Rage 2 is incredible.  It’s everything around that core competency that brings the game down.  A lack of narrative, world building, and questionable design decisions in terms of progression leave the experience feeling flat.

Though it’s definitely not without its flaws, “Wastelands” is a huge step in the right direction after the previous episode was pretty lackluster. After Episode 2, I was still willing to give Life is Strange 2 a chance, but now, after Episode 3, I’m actively excited to see where the rest of the game goes.

While the Xbox One version has new features that even the PS4 and PC versions do not have, along with the most high end visuals and performance, Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age on Nintendo Switch is truly the best way to experience this underrated PS2 gem. Perfectly suited for portable play, Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is a must buy for any RPG fan on the Nintendo Switch with the game’s most definitive release to date.

BoxBoy! + BoxGirl! continues the series perfectly in its transition from 3DS to Switch. Tons of puzzles await players, including a standalone co-op adventure that feels like a logical extension for the series. Much of this content is locked behind long introductions though, making it a slow start for series and puzzle fans. Once you make it past that though, you’re back into the relaxing and enjoyable world of BoxBoy!

Days Gone is by no means perfect, but if you’re willing to put up with some shortcomings the reward is one of the best open-world zombie apocalypse games to date.

Mortal Kombat 11 now continues that trend by giving fans of the series a nostalgia fueled story that somehow manages to mesh perfectly with the present day story presented across the last few games. Unlike some of its more competitive counterparts in the fighting genre, Mortal Kombat 11 remains much more approachable while still being full of the type of kontent and gore people come to expect from the Mortal Kombat series.

Following the journey of two neon colored dolphins, Jupiter & Mars can be enjoyed both with PSVR and without. Not only is it an actually well made underwater experience, but it also comes with a good message about protecting the future of the oceans in some interesting ways as well.