Easy Allies

“Everything about Astro Bot is brimming with delight, polish, and creativity, elevating it to stand among the best platformers ever made.”

“In multiple ways, Dawntrail is all about setting up events that will play out across future chapters. The narrative is certainly the most divisive element at the moment, so there’s a lot riding on where the writers go after the revelations and developments in the final act. The battle content is certainly heading in the right direction, but there’s still a question of whether or not the devs can sustain this momentum. There’s reason to be hopeful with what’s been established in Dawntrail, but what comes next will be crucial to Final Fantasy XIV’s outlook for the future.”

“Facing Senua’s insecurities and experiencing her growth remains a defining factor, but it feels less potent now, while simplistic exploration and repetitive combat hold it back from greatness. Hopefully we haven’t seen the last of Senua, because she deserves much more.”

“While there’s certainly more to be desired in terms of exploration and discovery, Tales of Kenzera: ZAU is a solid first take from Surgent Studios... There’s clearly a lot of love put in from the team, and that passion comes through in every aspect of its presentation.”

“Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a hardcore action RPG that demands patience and perseverance. It doesn’t hold your hand, and figuring out how to progress can be cryptic. Combat is spectacular with a variety of classes that all feel distinct and viable, while exploration feels particularly rewarding. In a crowded genre, Dragon’s Dogma 2 feels special, with old school sensibilities that reward you for paying attention.”

“Final Fantasy VII Rebirth breaks limits as one of the most ambitious RPGs ever made.”

“Persona 3 Reload doesn’t quite address all the shortcomings of its previous renditions, nor does it include all the extras added over the years. However, it’s another incredible take that stands proudly alongside the other stellar versions of the game. With all of its new additions and features, especially the updated visuals, rewind function, and new battle mechanics, Reload is the best way to experience Persona 3.”

“Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a successful reinvention of the dormant franchise that carves out a marvelous new identity, one that clearly has a bright future.”

“Super Mario Bros. Wonder breathes new life into the franchise by combining some of the best elements from past installments and drawing inspiration from other contemporaries to deliver the best 2D Mario game in nearly 30 years.”

“Lords of the Fallen is a good follow-up with some unique aspects to help separate itself from the past.”

“Refined combat and exploration highlight an intimate narrative in Insomniac's highly anticipated follow up. *Review Copy Provided by PlayStation”

“Assassin's Creed Mirage is a strong return to the original identity of the series, with greater focus on stealth and a more manageable length, but Ubisoft continues to spin its wheels with where all of this is going.”

“Mortal Kombat 1 is another excellent addition to the prolific franchise, thanks to high production values, the new Kameo system, and the promising new Invasion campaign.”

“Sea of Stars is a work of incredible craftsmanship that takes inspiration from classic RPGs and uses modern capabilities to make something memorable and new.”

“Lies of P is a great game filled with satisfying and engaging combat, entertaining and challenging bosses, and strong atmosphere.”

“Starfield is very ambitious, offering the freedom to play through rich and complex stories, but it under delivers on the promises of captivating space exploration.”

“Armored Core VI Fires of Rubicon serves as a glorious return, filled with exhilarating mecha action.”

“Oxenfree II continues the supernatural mysteries with relatable characters to keep you company on your strange journey.”