Unless you're a parent looking to keep your kid occupied for the evening, Lego Horizon Adventures is a hard pass.
Slitterhead is a unique game with interesting ideas, but it doesn't completely stick the landing. The story of an evil entity infesting the minds of innocent civilians in a city is frightening and could have been great if the game had gone in a different direction.
Guilty Gear Strive is a great fighting game that fits right at home in the genre, and that doesn't change with the Blazing Edition. However, this "definitive" version seems rather pointless for most players, both old and new.
Despite all the positives and added-on fancy features, I can't recommend paying full price for Madden 24, as it feels like a slightly better version of last year's edition. But if you're a series veteran craving a Madden that promotes more player agency, EA has fine-tuned the football emulation to make it a better experience.
There are some moments of greatness, especially in its stealth gameplay and paranormal environments, where the exciting nature of the survival horror genre shines through, but those moments are quickly fleeting. I do recommend I Hate This Place to survival horror fans if there is nothing else to play and they're on a budget, but I wouldn't go into this game expecting the next big thing.
The Lonesome Guild isn’t a game I would really recommend to anyone, but it’s also one I can see a very specific type of player enjoying. Every aspect of the game is undercooked, such as barebones combat, a childish story that never reaches its potential, and a relationship system that feels shoved into the game just for the sake of it
Spirit of the North 2 isn't a bad game, and some dungeons are a ton of fun, but it's clear the game needed more time in the oven and would have benefited in a linear format.
Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree is a decent 2.5D action RPG with a beautiful world. However, the game has some serious design and balance issues that prevent the experience from reaching its full potential.
Be prepared to laugh, die a ton, and spend a couple of minutes here and there petting the good dog that stays by your side throughout its 20-hour story. Just remember, though: this game is not meant for kids.
The overhaul of graphics, the addition of a map and photo mode, and a plethora of bonus content make this remaster the definitive way to play the original and its sequel.
But in general, Alien: Rogue Incursion is a great addition to the VR library and Alien franchise. The amount of interactivity with the game's environments is superb, keeping the player engaged and giving a great sense of actually being in the Xenomorph-infested facility. On top of that, the gunplay is some of the best the VR market has seen in years (when it's working properly). Alien: Rogue Incursion is definitely worth being experienced by VR enthusiasts and Alien fans, even if it's a bumpy experience.
The best additions are the new forms of traversal, creating the most exciting missions of both the original and sequel combined. However, the time you spend with these is short-lived. Also, I can't help but feel the bosses were a missed opportunity, where only one stands out and makes a name for itself. Nevertheless, more of a good thing is always nice, and if you found yourself a fan of the first, you'll enjoy Ghostrunner 2, especially for the low 40-dollar price tag.
In no way is Redfall groundbreaking - but sometimes all a game needs to be is fun to play, and Arkane has created an experience that offers a good time.
Directive 8020 is a good addition to the Dark Pictures anthology and a solid start to its second season. Its story ranks among Supermassive Games’ best work, marking a much-needed step forward for a studio that has struggled to release standout titles in recent years.
Still, if you were a die-hard fan of the original Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly, you'll enjoy what Team Ninja and Koei Tecmo have created here.
The weapon-forging minigame is a slog, NPCs are overly annoying, and losing weapons upon death isn't nearly as impactful as I had hoped. It's clear that MercurySteam has a good concept on its hands, but the execution could have been better in some parts. Perhaps these ideas will be better executed in a sequel.
Madden NFL 25 is a step in the right direction for the franchise and we hope EA keeps this momentum going to make the next entry even better.
The extreme lengths it takes to make the player feel hopeless may be too much for the casual player, so it's definitely not a game that could be recommended to everyone.
Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream is a good game that could have been so much more if some changes were made. The game is way too short, and the fact that there's usually only one solution in each level removes replayability, making it a one-and-done experience with almost zero reason to return.
Mouse: P.I. For Hire is an awesome first-person shooter that will keep you hooked from beginning to end due to its fun combat, engaging story, and hilarious banter between characters. What Fumi Games crafted here is impressive due to its level design that constantly surprises throughout its 10-hour runtime, bosses that each offer a different type of challenge, and a script that is very well written with a noir tone at its center. This game is a joy to play, and I can’t wait to see what these developers do next.