Destructoid

While I have some qualms with how the game's "memories" are handled, it's such a minor quibble in the grand scheme of things. For anyone interesting in a wholly unique story that is almost guaranteed to sink its hooks into you, look no further than Necrobarista.

Rainswept is a heavy game. Its sad piano music and endless poetic rainfall underscoring the human tragedy depicted. If you're capable of shouldering the game's baggage, Rainswept provides an "entertaining" tale. I certainly "enjoyed" it. However, if what you're looking for is a fun murder mystery to sink your teeth into, you might be better off seeking clues elsewhere.

Even when the game got hard or I died on the last level of a node, there is an undeniable amount of megalomaniacal fun to be had when time bends to your will. Mind Control Delete is an improvement on everything that made the original Superhot great. It's a power fantasy that makes you work for the right to feel like a god and when your plans come together it's a joyous romp to play.

Panzer Paladin isn't afraid to put you in frustrating situations that require patient timing, agile reflexes, and occasional foresight. It also asks you to consider every ability at your disposal, a lesson that took me way too long to get down. (A word of advice: don't forget about your backward dash.) Tribute Games tapped into a treasure trove of classic games, and that adoration shines bright in Panzer Paladin.

CrossCode puts its mechanics to good use in inventive ways, and at times, I found it to be legitimately impressive. However, without the beating heart of a convincing narrative, you may find yourself logging out too soon.

This is a great example of how stories about LGBTQ characters don't have to be aimed exclusively at LGBTQ audiences, and even without my personal connection to the story, it's the most brilliant game I've played this year.

There's room in my heart for both styles of Paper Mario. The old games still exist and this newer, sometimes thinner formula is fine too. That said, it's possible Nintendo and Intelligent Systems have folded this subseries every which way they can at this point. I hope the next one is a little more fresh.

With Ghost of Tsushima under its belt, Sucker Punch deserves to be in the same conversation as Insomniac, Naughty Dog, and Sony Santa Monica. If this generation is to wrap up soon, it's fitting that it'll end with Tsushima: one of its most beautiful games thus far.

Inti Creates could've done "more of the same" and called it a day, but the new characters lend Curse of the Moon 2 a ton of flexibility, the co-op support is commendable, and the subtle refinements can be found far and wide if you go back to play the original game after spending a weekend with the sequel.

Ninjala definitely has the look of something I should be in love with. It's bright and colorful, and the world-building happening here is genuinely fun. What's not fun are the poorly implemented mechanics that can ruin the fast and fluid combat. There is a solid template for something great here, and if GungHo can iron out all its wrinkles, it might have a genuine blockbuster on its hands.