Game Skinny

The ability to play as anyone and have them feel like real people with unique skills and backstories is engaging for dozens of hours. While I'm still waiting for one of these games to say something meaningful regarding their tinderbox political backdrops, the gameplay systems are interwoven smartly and deeply, making Watch Dogs: Legion the next major leap for open-world games.

Ghostrunner offers satisfying combat in a well-constructed, beautiful cyberpunk world. You will feel more and more powerful as the game moves on, and moving through the world is always a wonderful experience. There are a few holes in the story and mechanics that could have seen additional tuning, but if you’re in the market for a fast-paced slash-em-up set in a bleak future, Ghostrunner has just what you need.

The pacing and Old Class VII development aren't that bad. It's just that I can't call Cold Steel 4 a must play when it depends so much on playing at least Cold Steel 3 first. That's not really a criticism. It's just how these games work. If you've played that — which I strongly recommend for anyone who enjoys RPGs — and have even the slightest interest in what comes next, then yes, it's absolutely a must-play.

With levels reminiscent of beloved 3D platformers and an irresistible audiovisual experience, playing Pumpkin Jack this Halloween is exciting and youthful like trick-or-treaters finding the house giving out full-size candy bars.

At least until real-world rosters finalize, the differences between last year's version and this year's version are minimal and hardly justify the expense. In that case, you're probably better off getting another year out of what you've already bought and seeing how things change for NHL 22. If you do decide to take to the ice, you'll find a good game here, but it's just more of the same.

It's just clear this time, like it was in SOMA, that the horrors are supplementary to a masterful narrative that takes center stage, which further cements Frictional Games as one of the most reliable creators in both the medium and the genre.

There’s a lot to love about Cake Bash, and High Tea Frog has made an excellent party game for their debut title. With a variety of entertaining games, some lively stages, and good replayability, it’s a fun experience, especially with friends. We only wish there was more of it on offer. Though some minigames feel a little finicky, it’s otherwise a sweet treat all around.

Shooting things is definitely the focus of Aquanox: Deep Descent. After so many years, it’s a shame the series hasn’t evolved, branched out, and deepened more. For what it is, though, despite the flaws, bugs, and missteps, Aqua is still a fascinating place to explore and blow things up in. Is this a great game? Not by a long shot, but it’s fun and a solid entry in the overall ship-based shooter genre.

Just as with Mesut Ozil, FIFA 21 shows plenty of talent in areas where it applies itself. However, just as with Ozil, it neglects some of the fundamentals it needs to succeed, freezing out Player Career Mode entirely and offering very little off the pitch that we haven’t seen before.

It’s a baseline comparison, but Genshin Impact’s unique blend of gameplay, gorgeous environments, and lighthearted story, along with a gacha system found in many Chinese mobile games, provides an experience that might feel new to western audiences. So while it's held back by technical hiccups and level gating in Adventurer Ranks and a gacha gambling system, Genshin Impact is still an enjoyable time.

This Is The Zodiac Speaking is two games in one, and while neither is stellar, one of them is certainly better than the other. In Serial Killer Mode, the Zodiac's pursuits feel broken and will leave you more frustrated than frightened, but switch the game over to its more investigations-heavy mode, and the true-crime nerds will get a kick out of the many details strewn about the game.

It's an utter shame that EA doesn't plan to support Squadrons after launch with DLC or content updates, as there's still so much of the galaxy to explore. Perhaps they'll have a change of heart. Outside of Jedi: Fallen Order, Star Wars Squadrons is the best Star Wars game they've ever made.

Ys Origin is a blast to play. Even with the grindy bits and replaying the game to see the real ending, it respects your time by always pushing you forward. It cuts out most of the fat, so you're left with all the best bits — an absorbing story, snappy combat, and Falcom's characteristic banger of a soundtrack. This is just another great switch JRPG to add to the list.

Ultimately, Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time had a lot riding on it. Being the sequel to a 22-year-old game likely presented Toys for Bob with some developmental challenges, but the development team nailed nearly everything about this sequel.

Adding DaSH into the mix only increases the overall package here. Both plots are intriguing and the characters are likable. Anyone who is looking for a lighthearted adventure about hope and achieving their dreams will find exactly that in Robotics;Notes ELITE and DaSH.

RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 Complete Edition feels a lot like an historical artifact. There's nearly endless gameplay here for fans of park creation sims and the inclusion of not just coaster-focused amusement parks, but zoos, waterparks, and even dino-themed settings give it a real kitchen sink appeal.

I don't want a Mafia world cluttered with hundreds of things to do like some open-world games offer, but Mafia: Definitive Edition has virtually nothing to do once the admittedly great story concludes. There seems to be a happy medium still yet to be found for this series, but I definitely hope someone gets a chance to find it. If nothing else, I'm sure experiencing another story in this franchise will be an offer I can't refuse.

It’s clear that HAL Laboratory designed Kirby Fighters 2 to be accessible for younger players. In that regard, the game succeeds. As an entry-level fighting game, Kirby Fighters 2 works quite well, making for a good multiplayer experience that comes with several flaws that are hard to ignore. With a repetitive story campaign and basic game mechanics, it mostly appeals to kids or diehard Kirby fans.

There's a lot going on beneath deck in Port Royale 4, and much of it works very well. Setting up your perfect trade routes and watching all the moving pieces sail into action hits all those lizard brain elements that we love, and optimizing things when some new wrench hits the system is always a good time.

Super Mario 3D All-Stars is a satisfying gift for the series' 35th anniversary. The collection provides a worthwhile journey through Mario's 3D beginnings, even for newcomers like myself. Much more effort could've been put into modernizing the camera controls in Super Mario 64 and FLUDD's spray mechanics in Super Mario Sunshine, but 3D All-Stars is still an overall enjoyable platformer package nonetheless.

There are a few minor things that can be grating, but they do almost nothing to mar the experience in the grand scheme. Hades deserves your attention, your support, and more than a few hours of your time. If you like isometric action games, I guarantee you will have an absolute blast.

Serious Sam 4 is a strong, polished, old-school shooter. The massive, open-air firefights are a fairly unique element to first-person shooters, and panicked kiting of hundreds of enemies is the name of the game.

Disgaea 4 Complete+ is more for the fan who hasn’t played the series in a while or started with the complete version of the original. It’s a big step forward from that one in gameplay variety. That said, if you’re a Game Pass subscriber, D4 Complete+ is a no-brainer: at least 40 hours of top-notch strategy gaming at no extra cost.

13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim spins a web of mystery around you, then chuckles smugly as you think you've found your way out only to realize you're in the middle of a maze. Each character's story and narrative intersections drive the pace forward at an almost compulsive pace, helped along by the game's smooth design.

It's not a forgiving experience, and though it's difficult to master, BPM proves surprisingly easy to pick up and play. If you're prepared to die a lot, you'll find an incredible game within, and it's one title rhythm fans would do well to put on their playlist.